The Best Option by Dr. Lisa Burkhardt Worley

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31, NIV).

Years ago, when I was a television sportscaster, someone told me that if you are rude to a person, he or she will tell 50 people about your behavior, so even if someone was irritating, I still tried to be patient and kind. It’s advice I still put into practice today.

Love is always the best option, whether we are treated kindly or with disdain. We are Christ’s representatives, and one harsh word, no matter how deserved, cannot be taken back.

I believe this is what Jesus meant when he shared these words in His Sermon on the Mount of Beatitudes: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well” (Matthew 5:38-40).

Jesus knew that when we take the high road of love with those who mean harm, the impact is greater than if we sink to the level of our opponent. Our adversaries may be convicted one day about their behavior and may reflect on how we responded with godliness rather than the anger they may have deserved.

Retaliation is not up to us. Instead, we should turn the battle over to God. Deuteronomy 32:35 says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”

Like a bodyguard, God is our protector and has our backs. All He wants us to do is love.

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you (Proverbs 25:21-22).

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Our latest devotional book, Treasure, was just named the “Best Christian Non-Fiction Book” by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards! If you have not purchased Treasure, it is not too late! Lane Jordan Burday and Lisa Burkhardt Worley, along with the POP Team, combined their talents to write the book, which is full of wonderful inspiration. You will be inspired by the messages, and receive daily treasure as God will speak to you through His Holy Spirit. To buy Treasure just click on the Amazon link that takes you directly to the page. https://tinyurl.com/2uj9sn5x.