Even though you may not be the offender, you should take steps to make it right. Leave your gift of prayer, thanksgiving, tithes and offerings and go make it right. Confess your faults and ask to be forgiven.

Jesus’ instructions to His hearers are very much applicable to us today. Settling matters quickly can be cost effective. We have been taught conflict resolution and mediation skills. If those fail, the next option is the legal system-- which should be treated as a last resort.

Jesus’ response to the hurt, anger, resentment, and revenge in their faces and hearts toward their oppressors wasn’t a popular or welcomed one. It made Jesus sad to tell them something different than what they wanted to hear. What they heard was: “Do not resist. Go the extra mile. Go over and beyond the call of duty. Be agreeable. Respect authority.” Jesus only reiterated what they already knew, but the anger in their hearts tricked them into believing that they wanted otherwise.

True sincere and genuine love isn’t just felt but is seen. The mark of a true Christian is their love in action. The love shared among themselves and with others. In a world filled with pretenders, we are bombarded with ‘plastic’ smiles and persons whose words do not match their actions. True feelings are faked, even in some marriages, as intentions are disguised under feigned appearances. In a world where this is the norm, as Christians, we are called to be different, to be genuine and sincere in our intentions and actions.

Her husband deprived her of the one thing every wife needs – to be loved by him. His eyes were fixed on another that he and everyone thought was more beautiful. It didn’t matter to her that he was tricked into marrying her. All she wanted was to be loved by him. But he loved her younger sister. And not even the years of hard labor would stop him from taking her as wife. One husband with two wives – who are sisters! What an unhappy mess!

Revenge and grudges give energy to animosity leading to destruction and this should not be so among God’s children. We need to stop holding grudges and revenge against each other; and treat our each other as we would want to be treated. Moses was right on point when he instructed the Israelites to love their neighbor as themselves. The instruction is ours too. Let’s say no to revenge and grudges and love each other as ourselves.

We can heal our world by beginning with just me. Yes. Begin with yourself. If we strive to be kind to at least two persons and those two extend the kindness to another two, with the trend continuing, then we would reach our entire world. When we all participate, our world would be a kinder and happier place. You would be happier and being kind would be second nature.

But it’s different with God. Whether or not you love God, He loves you and will always love you. He loves you just the way you are. And He is longingly waiting on you to turn to Him for all your love needs. Have you been crushed by an earthly love? He feels your pain and will dry your tears. His arms are open wide to embrace you. You can cry on His shoulders. He will wipe your tears away and get you smiling again. After so many have failed you, why not give Him a chance to love you the way you deserved to be loved? His is a triple L – a long and lasting love.