Dad brought up a question the other day that got me thinkin.
"What eternal value is there in studying martial arts?"
Well I really like taekwondo so I really considered the question. We are to live for God in everything we do, how are martial arts part of God's work?
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
Matthew 5: 38-42
Does this say do not fight? It says, "If ANYONE slaps you," turn the other cheek.
I looked into this verse. Notice the last part. Give to he who begs and do not refuse the one who would borrow. This verse is about retaliation. It is not saying when someone comes up to you in the alley and punches you in the face, let him punch you in the stomach also. It is saying that we should react to things differently that the world does.
Luke 6:32-36
English Standard Version (ESV)
"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
We do not lend saying "don't mess it up!" We should lend saying. "Enjoy it."
The use slap is like a parable. Slap is an offensive deed, not always a physical punch but and insult. Just like the use of the phrase, "if anyone would take your tunic."
To clarify I will use and example. I lend someone a blanket when he is sick and he throws up on it. I really would not want to use it again but I should offer up something else. Rather than responding with resent and holding back what I have. Even sinners lend expecting something back but as believers Jesus wants us to respond better than the world.
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