[Matthew 5:38-42]

Someone, this week, is going to go too far.

Someone is going to ask more than they should ask.

Someone is going to insult you.

Someone is going to ask for more than they deserve.

Someone is going to go too far.

You know that it will happen. It happens more to you than to others, perhaps.  But it’s going to happen.

You are going to have to decide, in that moment, how to react.

It will be completely understandable to snap back. It will make complete sense to do precisely what is required and no more. It is to be expected to do what is expected.

I wouldn’t hold it against you at all.

But then, of course, we both would have to figure out what Jesus was talking about when he said to do the unexpected, to go beyond the acceptable response to the insults and attacks sure to come this week.

Because Jesus is saying, well in advance of the insult, to plan to respond differently.

He says you are going to get the back of the hand, someone will insult you with a slap to the face. You have been trained and permitted and encouraged to slap that person back. Your tongue is ready to return the criticism, you mind is rehearsing the devastatingly sarcastic reply.

He says, Jesus says, don’t do it. Instead, start planning now, start rehearsing in your head, turning your face and silently offering the other cheek.

Wait, you say.

Does that mean that if it is an abusive situation that we are to stay in it?

Wait, I say, are you?

Because if you aren’t and you are raising that question rather than preparing for how you will respond to the insult that will come this week, prepare.