{growing up- doing what really matters}

i like the Message version of Matthew 5:38-48:

"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.

"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.

"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." 

i used to have a sign in my room that said "get over it". which can be rough sometimes, right? but its true. our society wants us so badly to {get what we deserve}, {pursue for justice}, {fight for rights}...does that all really matter when this isn't even our home? we are aliens- here on earth to serve JESUS, to love JESUS, and believe in Him so that we can be with HIM when it really REALLY matters. 

when i leave this world. i will be with JESUS. i am a kingdom subject here on earth to show the love of Jesus. i am a Jesus lover on a compassionate pursuit to plant seeds of hope, faith, and love to my enemies and to help them find who Jesus is, and want to be with Him as well!

we have a BIG job!