The Bible tells us that when people take from us, we are supposed to let them do it. When they slap one cheek, we are to offer them the other, etc. But what about the other side of that equation? What if we are the ones who are taking? There is certainly a taker mentality that plagues the world and affects the majority of people. It stems from the selfishness of the flesh. Without Jesus, we are living to serve ourselves and gratify the desires of our flesh.
When we commit to the Christian lifestyle, we make the decision to live according to the Spirit and not the flesh. We make the big switch from selfishness from selflessness. Something that seems to be hard to grasp for new Christians is the thought of being a giver rather than a taker. Our flesh wants to take everything it can from those around us, but Jesus asks us to be the giver. Don't be the person who constantly has their hand out for more and don't take advantage of the givers Jesus has already established. I encourage you to be aware of this in your life. Look to Jesus as your provider and trust Him with that role instead of looking to others in your life.
Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. (ESV)
Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (NIV)
Galatians 5:24-25 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (NIV)
Luke 6:29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. (NIV)
When we commit to the Christian lifestyle, we make the decision to live according to the Spirit and not the flesh. We make the big switch from selfishness from selflessness. Something that seems to be hard to grasp for new Christians is the thought of being a giver rather than a taker. Our flesh wants to take everything it can from those around us, but Jesus asks us to be the giver. Don't be the person who constantly has their hand out for more and don't take advantage of the givers Jesus has already established. I encourage you to be aware of this in your life. Look to Jesus as your provider and trust Him with that role instead of looking to others in your life.
Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. (ESV)
Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (NIV)
Galatians 5:24-25 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (NIV)
Luke 6:29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. (NIV)
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