“Be the bigger person,” may be something we say our to our kids…or should say more often. It’s not the easy route to travel for sure! Katie walks us through when and why we need to be the bigger person and teach our kids to do the same. Enjoy the challenge!

Scripture

“If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.  If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” 

Matthew 5:40-42

Reflect

My best friend and I did everything together and made a thousand memories throughout my childhood.  However, it wasn’t always sunshine and roses.  We bumped up against each other and found ourselves dealing with hurt feelings, jealousy, and frustration too! There were many times I would get my feelings hurt and want to hurt my friend in exactly the same way so she could feel just how badly I felt.

Thankfully, through the Lord’s grace, and my mom’s sweet reminders to “be the bigger person,” lots of mean words and petty actions were kept from playing out (although some certainly slipped through the cracks!).

Jesus knows others may hurt us, and He wants us to respond in a loving, humble manner- just as He would. His advice to us is found in Matthew 5:40-42 (Today’s verse).

It’s not easy-to-implement advice, and it goes against our sinful human nature. However, we see Jesus living this out in so many ways during His life on earth; and He is a great example for us to follow.

• Feet Washing – in John 13, we see Jesus take on the role of a servant and wash the disciples’ feet. I’ve read this story a thousand times, but I am still in awe when I think about what happened after this.  If you remember, just a few chapters later, Judas is turning Jesus to be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. Combine this with Jesus being omniscient (meaning He knows ALL things). I’m in shock that He served these men in this way…knowing they would later abandon Him. In what ways can we love and serve those around us, even with the risk of knowing they may hurt us in the future?
• Forgiving– “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) As He is dying, Jesus is praying for the men crucifying Him, mocking Him and beating Him. There are so many times I am not ready to forgive someone who offends me.  This example of Jesus pushes me to forgive even the worst offenders. In your own life, who do you need to forgive?

Jesus’ example of undeserved love and forgiveness offers a picture of how we can be like Jesus to those around us.  When someone offends, hurts or frustrates us, let’s look for ways to love them, serve them, and offer them forgiveness showing them the Love of our Savior.

Camper Corner

Jesus lived a life offering love and forgiveness, even to those who hurt Him.  Who has hurt or frustrated you in the last week? How can you show them the same love and forgiveness Jesus shows us?