Stained

9/25/2020

Matthew 5:41 “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”

So many people I know are strained right now. Life is not an easy walk for anyone, but some have burdens that are unthinkable. One dear person I know is under so much strain that the only way they are holding together is by God’s grace. I recognize this because I have been there myself. Trusting in God and holding onto Him is the only way to peace.

There is always strain in our world, but right now in our country there is also struggle of every sort going on. Many have lost sight of one another and placed themselves in camps based on ideals and injury, and a cancel culture has been born. We have lost the ability to agree to disagree and we are losing the ability to love one another. Isn’t loving your neighbor what believers are called to do? Chambers writes, “Jesus Christ demands that there not be the slightest trace of resentment even suppressed in the heart of a disciple when he meets with tyranny and injustice.” Can I claim that I have not the “slightest trace” of affront or offense? Jesus was met with the worst that man could do, and He loved despite the injustice. If He is my model, am I not supposed to be different than those who do not know Jesus?

Others are watching. Will I reflect my Savior in word, deed, and thought, or will I be found wanting before my Lord? If I turn to Him in all things, He will help me withstand the strain.