We’ve been lingering a long time on the idea of a face slap, and Jesus’ surprising instruction to turn and offer the other cheek as well. The essence of that is hurt and humiliation, it’s being the brunt of someone’s contempt, it’s feeling the sting of a personal offense.
Now, let’s turn the corner and consider the second portion of Jesus’ second mile teaching:
“If someone sues you and takes your tunic, give them your cloak as well.”
—Jesus, Matthew 5:40
I don’t know about you, but this makes my inner justice-alarm start sounding wildly. “Wait. What?! Something’s taken unfairly and you’re saying give more?” Jesus’ command here clearly represents an injustice. The items were taken wrongly. The situation is unfair. And yet, Jesus words couldn’t be clearer. One item taken? Offer two.
The essence of this wrong isn’t hurt of humiliation, it’s cost. What’s been done to us costs us dearly, and we’re required to offer even more? How does this bring the Kingdom of God?
Join me for Episode 23 as we consider how the perks and “added value” of giving can keep us from walking in the true generosity Jesus describes, the kind that brings the Kingdom of God on earth.
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.)