Tessa Emily Hall ~ Christ is Write: {Giveaway!} Friday's Reflection: Matthew 5:43-45

What is Friday's Reflection?
Every other Friday, I post a new Scripture, discuss my reflection of it, then give you the chance to do the same. By participating, you will have the chance to win prizes, as well as the opportunity to meet other Christian teens. =)

The Point System Yes, there will be a point system, just like the Monday's Minute Challenge. =)
Earning Points:
*To make this more simple, please include the amount of points you will receive at the top of your post. Be sure to calculate correctly!
2 points: If you answer one of the questions. (Details below) 5 points: If you respond with your own reflection. (Details below) 10 points: If you post your response on your blog. 10 points: If you pin either the above picture or today's Scripture to Pinterest. 10 points: If you join the Prayer Circle. (Details below) Points Tracker: TW Wright: 35 Karina: 110
Krista L: 13 Sarah: 140 His Princess: 14 Prizes:
50 points: You will receive a badge for your blog saying that you are a participant at Friday's Reflection. 70 points: You can submit your own playlist for Friday's Playlist (see below). 90 points: You can submit a Scripture that will be used for Friday's Reflection. 110 points: You will receive a free ebook of PURPLE MOON. 150 points: You will receive a personalized handmade notepad.
Today's Playlist
I think listening to worship music is a great way to get into God's presence. So every Friday, I will post 3 - 5 worship/Christian songs that are currently on my playlist. Feel free to listen to them as you work on today's reflection!
"It Is Well" ~Bethel Music "Love Came Down" ~Brian and Jenn Johnson "Scandal of Grace" ~Hillsong United "Worship the Great I Am" ~Gateway Worship ft. Kari Jobe
Today's Scripture . . .

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor

and hate your enemies.' But I say to you, love your enemies.

Pray for those who hurt you.

If you do this, you will be true children

of your Father in heaven."

~Matthew 5:43-45 (NCV)

My Reflection:

Have you ever been tempted to seek revenge on someone who has mistreated you? I know I have. When people hurt us, our natural reaction is to hurt them back. Think about it: When a fist fight breaks out between two guys (whether in real life or in movies), you almost never see one of them taking the beating without at least trying to fight back. Since humans are sinful by nature, we are going to have to go against what we feel in order to please God.

If you have ever taken a "punch" by someone (whether they gossiped about you, made fun of you, etc.), your natural instinct may have been to take up for yourself and serve justice. However, God tells us to pray for these people instead. Treat them in love, as if they were your best friend. (Keep in mind that often the people who hurt us the most are the ones who have been deeply wounded themselves and are desperate for love.)

No, keeping peace rather than seeking vengeance isn't going to be easy. It's not going to seem fair that you can't punch the other person back whenever you receive a mean blow. But if you act on love rather than your emotions, you are showing satan that he has no power over you. Others will notice that your ability to keep peace is not through your strength but God's--and because of that, you will serve as a witness to them. God will also reward you for showing love to your enemies rather than hurting them in return (see Proverbs 25:21-22).

Your Turn . . .

Answer the questions below to earn points! You will receive 2 points per question that you answer. And if you post your response on your blog and link back to this post, you will receive an extra 10 points!

*To make this more simple, please include the amount of points you will receive at the top of your post. Be sure to calculate correctly!

Think back to a time when someone treated you poorly. What was your natural reaction? Did you act upon your feelings? +2 pts
Have you ever put this verse into action by loving and praying for someone who has mistreated you? What was the result? +2 pts
List ways that you are going to show love to the next person who tries to "throw a punch" at you. (Example: Speak kindly to them rather than show vengeance.) +2
This Scripture says that showing love to those who hurt us will prove that we are His Children. But why do you think He wants us to pray for them as well? +2 pts
Discuss your own reflection of this Scripture (as I did above -- at least one paragraph). +5 pts

Don't forget to check back to read your responses and interact with others!

Prayer Circle
If you choose to participate in this Prayer Circle, you can email me a prayer request at any point throughout the week. Every other Friday, I will send an email to those in the prayer circle with the updated prayer list, as well as the new Scripture for that week. You will also receive 10 extra points by joining. Email me at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com if you wish to participate! =) Win a Signed copy of PURPLE MOON!