What I must confess is that I listened to Christmas carols today and put them on my Ipod. Yes, I am aware it isn't even Thanksgiving, but they make me so happy and excited. And holidays are even more important when I am so far from family and friends.I must also have double the Christmas spirit because David is anything but a joyful Christmas elf. (He had a bad childhood experience with Christmas) So I am forever trying to get him jazzed for the holidays.
I promised no Christmas stuff till Thanksgiving, but I slipped and had to listen to my Relaxing Classical Christmas and Christmas Baroque cd.
I must also confess that I have been deep in thought this past week. I am in the middle of a complicated issue with another wife. I have been searching for a Christian solution to the problem for months now. But the proper action has elluded me. Christians are supposed to be kind, gernerous and "nice" to everyone. But when is nice too nice? How many times do you forgive someone? Where is the line between being a good Christian and letting someone take advantage of your kindness?
The verse that has come to me quite often in the past months are:
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:38-42, NIV)
If someone manipulates, uses and hurts me, what is the Christian response?
I must confess I do not know.
2 comments:
Analee,
That is a very thoughtful question. I think that God calls us to forgive others, but not necessarily to forget. He has given us the ability to learn from the things that hurt us - so we won't do them again.
It says "love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you", so there must be room even in the Christian life for "enemies". The Bible never says anything about being nice.
I think it is also important to note that in the Matthew scripture you quoted, these actions of "above and beyond" are only happening once. It doesn't say, "if someone wants your tunic, give them the key to your house so they can come over every day and take things from your closet."
The advice I would give is to love this person as a child of God, forgive her when you are able, and cut ties if that is necessary to be healthy.
God give you wisdom to deal with this difficult situation. Love you!
Analee,
I too, have been tempted to put on some Christmas music, but so far have resisted. I did write my Christmas story for 2006, though. I had a good excuse. Our dear friends, Dan and Becky always look forward to what I am going to write for Christmas, usually a poem or a story. And Dan is working in Kazackastan ( the home of Borat). Anyway, he is home this week, but is leaving next week and won't be home till January. So Becky asked me if I could write my Christmas "thing" for Dan to have a copy of to take back. It was a good motivator for me to get it done.
Boy, you have mentioned a problem in relationships that is an ongoing one for me. It sounds like you and your friend are praying over this situation which is the very best thing to do. I know that Jesus, who was the author of the verses in Matthew, was "love" and "forgiveness" in the flesh. Yet, I don't think He was ever manipulated by someone. Sometimes, saying "no" is actually helping a person.
ANyway, Happy Thanksgiving from me in Texas to you far away. See you at Christmas time!
Love,
Tia Kay
Post a Comment