"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: 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 that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, gift wrapped your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously." Luke 6:27-30

Every body sing that famous Beatles song with me, "Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be." You've probably heard the term "tough love", and it more than likely came right before you got whacked by your parent, or grounded, or punished in some creative (yet terrifying) way. I'm not talking about that kind of tough love.

Tough love is when a friend spreads a vicious rumor about you and instead of spreading a nasty rumor of your own, you forgive that friend. Tough love is when some punk takes a punch at you, and instead of fighting back and smack'n him into tomorrow, you get up and walk away from the fight because you are better than a punch.

Want to be radical? Want to throw "The Volt" (Made famous by Moto X rider Kyle Loza. Loza hits the ramp at full speed on his motorcycle and then he literally lets go of the bike and takes a full vertical 360 spin and grabs back on before falling to his death!) in someone's face? Then do what very few people ever try to do, instead of allowing someone who's hurt you to bring the worst of you out, let it bring the best. In fact, do to that kid what you wished he would have done to you. The Golden Rule. Too many kids out there think it's "weak" to back down and do the right thing, but Christ said that it is not only the best thing to do, but only the truly strong can even pull it off.

CHECK IT

1. Who's been bothering you lately? What can you do for them that they aren't doing for you?



2. Pray for someone right now that has hurt you in the past week.



3. How could you be a servant this week for Christ?

For more information on Michael and Amy Smalley and The Smalley Marriage and Family Center, please visit our website at http://www.smalleymarriagecenter.com/

© Copyright 2007 Smalley Relationship Center

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