The Angry Punch

As my seventh-grade football team sat on the bleachers in the hot August sun waiting for the photographer to arrive to take the team photo, one of my teammates decided it was a good time to hurl insults at me. I can't remember exactly what Billy said, but I remember a couple teammates telling Billy to be quiet. However, because it was considered acceptable by the in-crowd to make fun of the smallest guy on the team, Billy kept at it.

At first, I ignored Billy's verbal jabs. But eventually, I joined the small chorus of those telling Billy to stop. Billy responded... by spitting on me, then saying, "What are you going to do about it?"

So I punched him.

This was the first (and last time!) I ever threw a punch (other than at my brother). And I didn't just give Billy a light tap on the arm. I threw a quick jab at his jaw, which didn't come anywhere close to knocking him out, but it did manage to stun him for a moment.

As you might expect, after the shock wore off that I had actually hit him, Billy lunged at me. Thankfully, my one and only fight (again, other than with my brother) was over quickly when I was able to use my meager wrestling skills to put Billy into a headlock and hold him there until the coaches came over to end it (and before Billy could connect his fist to my face).

A Jab from Jesus

While I don't condone the actions of my twelve-year-old self (I clearly did not follow the instructions of Jesus in Matthew 5:39), I still remember the shocked look on Billy's face. That's what an unexpected punch to the face will do.

I suspect that was the look on the faces of Jesus' original listeners when He said...

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, "You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment." But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, You fool! will be liable to the hell of fire." (Matthew 5:21-22, ESV)

When a "Billy" hurls insults at us, our typical response is to insult back. When a spouse, child, or sibling doesn't do what we want, we get angry. When someone holds a different political position, we get flustered and say hurtful words or walk away in disgust.

Yet, Jesus shocks us with a "punch to the face" by calling us to not give in to our baser emotions. Rather, He calls us to love the one who makes us angry by doing what we can to make things right. He continues...

"So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24, ESV)

Christ wants you to live with such a kind and generous love that He calls you to live in peace with others as much as it depends upon you (Romans 12:18). So this week, ask the Holy Spirit to help you to forgive that Billy who hurt you and not retaliate. Rather, ask Him to help you respond with the fruit of the Spirit. Because it takes way more inner strength to not throw the punch at Billy.