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How We Respond

How We Respond

Inspiration MinistriesBy Inspiration Ministries•2 Minutes

How do we respond to others? What is our attitude when we feel insulted or offended? The instinctive reaction is to be defensive and retaliate. The Law said we should react in kind, “a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (Exodus 21:23-24).

But Jesus taught us that we should react in a different way. We are not to strike back. “If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.” If our shirt is taken, we are to “give our coat, too.” If we are asked to carry gear for a mile, we are to “carry it two miles.” As a general principle, “Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow” (Matthew 5:38-42).

Jesus went on to provide the golden rule: “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” (Matthew 7:12). Proverbs says much the same thing but from a slightly different perspective.

In the flesh, we might look for opportunities to pay others back for what we feel they’ve done to us. But Jesus taught that even if others act this way, we are to be different. We are to seek first God’s Kingdom and trust Him as the ultimate Judge. We are not to respond in ways we think others deserve, but in ways God wants us to – whatever would have the most impact for the Gospel.
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Inspiration Ministries

Inspiration Ministries is a nonprofit global Christian media ministry founded in 1990, dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people grow in their faith through trusted biblical teaching, prayer, discipleship, and Scripture-based resources.

Reaching people in more than 200 nations and territories, the ministry provides daily devotionals, online Bible studies, prayer support, original programming, and Scripture-based encouragement designed to help individuals understand the Bible, apply God's Word, and develop a mature and lasting faith.

Each year, more than three million people respond to the Gospel through Inspiration Ministries' global outreach.

The ministry provides structured discipleship through the Spiritual Growth Hub, which offers Bible studies, courses, and certificate-based learning programs. Additional resources include Scripture-based articles, a daily devotional email newsletter, a monthly print devotional magazine, and original media programming. Inspiration Ministries also engages through digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other media channels.

As a nonprofit ministry, Inspiration Ministries offers planned giving and legacy giving resources to help supporters extend their Gospel impact through long-term stewardship and estate planning.

Through biblical teaching, prayer, media outreach, and discipleship resources, Inspiration Ministries equips people around the world with spiritual encouragement and practical tools for lifelong growth in Christ.

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