Quote:
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth' but I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also..."
"Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away..."
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?"
Of course, you're right Allheart. There never has been a shortage of people willing to explain that while this may be a nice sentiment, it's not really practical and shouldn't be taken seriously. But most of them have never fairly tried it, I think. And it is important not to allow ourselves to become the victim of abuse. The fine line that has to be walked is between healthy self-respect and foolish pride. Pride fuels the tendency to respond in kind to anger; self-respect makes it possible to be generous and kind to selfish and angry people without becoming their victim. Very deep and hard lessons here, but so vital to learn. Good topic, Val.