Whether they meant it or not, the fact is you feel slapped. There’s a sting. It hurts and you instinctively recoil, pull back, hide, distance. The truth is, we unknowingly slap each other all the time, especially during times of disagreement and tension (anybody know any times like those happening these days?). What does turning the cheek really mean? Refusing cancel culture. It means staying close. Turning the cheek means a willingness to stay close enough that your other cheek is vulnerable. It means you say with your actions: I’m willing to be hurt again if it means staying close enough to bless you. You might get stung again, but that’s ok because you’re choosing to the way of Jesus. I have been the recipient of this blessing, even this week, and I urge you to please listen in and consider the implications of this in your own life. Don’t underestimate the power of blessing. We need it more than ever before.
Are you ready to bless? Join me here for Episode 15 …
About the Kari Patterson Podcast: We need wisdom, y’all. Like, yesterday. Right?! We need God’s perspective. We need His heart. We need joy, resilience, clarity, and conviction. Feeling this need, author Kari Patterson opens Scripture and shares candidly how God’s Word informs her daily life. Appropriate for all ages, relatable and refreshing, join Kari for conversations on responding to unkindness, emotional freedom, parenting dilemmas, self-pity, forgiveness, and more. (Available most of the places you enjoy podcasts, including those with links above.)