paravanes:meditations

I was saddened today when I read about yet another "Stand Your Ground " related incident in the southern U.S. state of Florida. The exchange between two men in a parking lot led to the death of one and the (possible) criminal prosecution of the other. The two men argued over a handicapped parking space. I don't normally post about political/social conflicts in the United States because those topics don't normally include ideas I feel led to explore on this blog. Others write very well on those topics. Also, I have readers in other countries who may not be very interested in domestic politics in the U.S. At times, however, there are overlaps between my reasons for writing and managing this blog (Trust the God who is worthy of your love) and what shows up in my news feeds on other platforms. I don't personally know any of the people involved in this tragedy and my knowledge of the event is limited to news reports. I'd like to share a few thoughts about the ...

Can it ever be a wise choice to turn the other cheek? What does it really mean to "turn the other cheek?" In Matthew chapter five, verses 38 through 40, Jesus says this: "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 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." This is one of the most disturbing, frustrating passages in Scripture, because we instinctively know when someone mistreats us and we have a natural inclination to want to do something about it . We want to stop the wrong and heal the pain of the injury. Here, Jesus seems to suggest another path. I don't know if He is giving a formula for every conflict. After all, this is the man who threw the moneychangers out of the temple (John 2:13-16) and called some religious leaders of His day a "brood of vipers." (...