This is where Jesus says, "You've heard it said, 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,' but I say, if someone slaps you on one cheek, offer him the other as well -and if someone steal your jacket, offer him you shirt too -and give to the one who begs -and don't refuse to let people borrow from you even when you know they will never repay." (paraphrased)
I have often been asked by well meaning friends why I am always allowing people to take advantage of me. My perspective is that I am not being taken advantage of when I understand what is going on. I am not being duped. I am not being deceived. I am choosing to place my needs and desires on the back burner in order to provide for someone else's. And, of course, there is a reason I choose to do so.
I believe the issue for some of us is that we really don't grasp the reality that this earthly kingdom and all this earthly stuff -the fortune, the recognition, and all these earthly priorities are temporary and have no lasting value. This world is not my kingdom, and I will not hold on too tightly to this temporal stuff. I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God. I choose, consciously, with my eyes open and with full understanding of the consequences, that my priorities reflect my citizenship.
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