My favorite Bugs Bunny cartoon, Bully for Bugs, involves Bugs digging right into the middle of the bull fighting arena. As the toro is running the matador out of the arena, Bugs is trying to get directions to the carrot festival. The bull steams up Bugs' tail, and "you realize this means war", declares Bugs. Well, I don't suppose Bugs ever read the New Testament, but suffice it to say, his definition of "turn the other check" is on the wrong side of the law.
The passage in Matthew 5, often used to justify pacifism, is misunderstood and misapplied in our culture. Jesus tells the people, if you are forced to go one mile, go two. If they sue you for your tunic, let them have your cloak as well. Do not refuse the beggar or the borrower. Most people say this simply means do not retaliate, but there is much more to it than that.
If little Johnny is abused by the bully on the school playground, there are multiple ways to respond. You can take Bugs' approach and declare war (not recommended). You can simply tell Johnny to not fight back and ignore the problem. Or you can bless the bully!
Bless the bully. That's the ticket. In the days of Christ, Romans soldiers had a legal right to have citizens carry their gear up to one mile outside a city as they passed through. Jesus says, take it an extra mile. If someone sues for a $1,000 dollars, give them $2,000. This is not just a matter of walking away from a fight. This is engaing injustice with justice. This is engaging hate and abuse with love and blessing.
Pour out love and blessing, kindness, and prayer for those that abuse you. Seek justice through prayer. Prayer that your enemy will be reconciled with God. When he is reconciled to God, he will be reconciled to you too!
Bless the Bully!
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