The Others vs You & God

When you think of your family and friends, your present and past relationships, and friendships, or even your co-workers and people that surround you daily - What memories come to mind, and what emotions come over you when you reflect on these people and your relationships with them? Is there a pattern with your relationships? Have you had untrustworthy, manipulative, or deceitful people in your life (past or present)? If you have experienced people like this in your life, whether present or past, then read on – this is for you!

Many times, people take information they read or receive from others in every way – except what is actually meant and intended by the message or information. People often twist the words or information they receive just to benefit their own well-being or mindset in some way – or usually to justify their sinful actions or feel better about themselves. We are all guilty of this to a degree, but some people have chosen to live their lives exclusively in this destructive way. The people that manipulate and take advantage of kind, goodhearted people, only to achieve temporary gratification is who I like to call “the others.” Jesus addresses “the others” in the Gospel of Matthew, and though the language is quite brutal and grotesque, the meaning behind His message is clear.

Matthew 18:8-9 

8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee:

it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed,

rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee:

it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye,

rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Though many might debate the meaning of these verses. They are simple to understand when you know the intent of them. Jesus’ purpose is to save us. He is our Way to the Father, and His teachings in Matthew are laid out, just as a map is, to show us how eternal life can be attained. In verses 8-9 Jesus expresses to cut off limbs and pluck out eyes if they are causing you to sin. We know that He is not truly meaning that you must cut off any of your bodily parts as your price to enter into Heaven. He is referring to cutting out “the others.” The people in your life that weigh you down. The people that cause you repetitive pain, that continue to promise things and never deliver, and the people that live a sinful life and try to persuade you to join in their ways. The ones that force you to live in fear, that belittle you, and that make you feel insecure. Jesus is telling you to cut them out of your life. Cut out the temptation, lies, and misery that follows these people. Do not allow them to break you down anymore. Cast out the darkness they bring to you with the light written on your heart from the Lord above. He gave you free will, He gave you the Way, He is not going to let you fall. He will not break you; He will help mend you. He will not lead you astray; He will guide you to love; because He loves you.

Matthew 18:8-9 is a map to eternal life- it gives you the strength and the courage to realize that even though you may have to cut out poisonous friends and even family members in your life – the path without them is full of peace and promise. And it is the promise of God to love ALL His children. If you have God in your heart and walk by your faith in Jesus – anything is possible. So, when you find yourself in a crowded arena, full of “the others,” and you doubt your strength to overcome the heaviness placed on your shoulders – do not fear – for the Lord, God is with you. You will win the Kingdom with Him by your side.

It takes great strength to be vulnerable, it takes great courage to know the difference between love and abuse, and it takes pain to admit we are imperfect. And when the ground you stand on starts to tremble, and the ones you trusted look to betray you, just remember it will be the love from God that will pull you out of those flames every time. Do not let “the others” determine your worth, your authenticity, or your path in life. Look to the verses in Matthew to inspire you to always seek first the Kingdom.

Thanks be to God.