Yes, this is what I heard on the playground often. After that came, “he/she started it!” My first question to the issue of the war at hand was, “So, how can we end it?” Followed by, “Who is going to end this first?” (Leaning into their competitive spirits.) That always made them stop and think. Ending it was the last thing on their minds. But we “grown ups” don’t have this issues, do we?
Jesus has something to say about this…
“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.”
Matthew 5, Msg
AND…
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best–the sun to warm and the rain to nourish–to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.”
Matthew 5, Msg
“In a word, what I’m saying is, ‘GROW UP’.” –Jesus
Matthew 5, Msg
Dear Heavenly Father, Ouch, this is a lesson for the playground we call life. We all need to grow up and keep growing up, never stop learning this commandment to love our enemies and pray for them with Your love that you give to us. Help us Lord, to be more alert in this area of our lives. Help us to not hit back but to think of ways to bless instead. In Jesus Name and By His Power working in and through us, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 