Put Your Sword Away

by | Jan 18, 2017 | Whitney's Witness

Wednesday January 18, 2017

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! -John 18:10-11

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This week, someone said something about me that frustrated me to know end. I thought my heart was going to beat out of chest, and my blood was going to hit a boiling point.

The last thing I wanted to do was respond kindly, let alone be Christ-like.

I wanted to lash out. I wanted to attack them the way that I felt attacked. I wanted to defend myself.

After seeking some wise council, I decided on saying and doing nothing.

I am convinced that doing absolutely nothing, is by far the hardest route to take.

However, I was reminded about the situation in John, where Peter lashes out and attacks his enemy. He takes out his sword and cuts the man’s ear off.

Peter was defending himself, and his friend Jesus. Instead of Jesus thanking him for sticking up for him, he tells him to put his sword away, and even ends up healing the man’s ear.

Can you imagine how Peter would have felt? I would have been an array of emotions. I probably would have said something along the lines of, “Uh…Jesus he’s arresting you for know reason. They’ve said false things about you. It’s time we shut this man up.”

However, that’s not who Jesus is. That’s not how Jesus handles situations, and people.

Don’t forfeit your character for someone who doesn’t seem to have one.

Don’t sacrifice your reputation in Christ for anyone, or anything.

Put your sword away!

Prayer: “Jesus, thank you for teaching me what it’s like to turn the other cheek. Help me to be like you. Allow me to see the importance of putting away my sword, and handling situations like you would. In your name I pray, Amen.”

-Whitney Flach