Classic Sermon #6057: Spiritual Judo
Dr. Roberto Miranda
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: The passage from Matthew 5:38-48 speaks of using spiritual judo to overcome evil with good. Judo uses the momentum and aggressiveness of the opponent to defeat them, and the same principle applies to using the aggressiveness and evil of others to neutralize and defeat them. The resistance to this principle comes from our natural intuition and individualistic view of life, rather than seeing ourselves as part of a network of relationships. Understanding this network of relationships allows us to practice the principles of love, forgiveness, and harmony in the face of conflict and aggression. The principles of spiritual judo can be applied to situations such as suing for a tunic or being compelled to carry a load, by using the opportunity to go above and beyond and show love and generosity.
In order to understand and practice the principles that Christ teaches, such as turning the other cheek and going the extra mile, we must see ourselves as part of a larger system, such as a family or community. The actions and reactions of each individual within this system affect everyone else, and thus it is important to approach conflicts with a sense of unity and meekness, rather than seeking revenge or trying to solve problems unilaterally. By doing so, we can avoid damaging relationships and the name of God, and instead bring about blessings and harmony.
Dr. Roberto Miranda shares a story about a misunderstanding with a musician, Juan Carlos Alvarado, and how he and his team used the principle of "spiritual judo" to resolve the situation and bring glory to God. He explains that the world operates on the principle of retaliation and exploitation, but Christ established a different principle of overcoming evil with good, hate with love, war with peace, and hurtful words with silence pregnant with spiritual force. He encourages listeners to live by these principles and trust in God's provision and protection.
In order to understand and practice the principles that Christ teaches, such as turning the other cheek and going the extra mile, we must see ourselves as part of a larger system, such as a family or community. The actions and reactions of each individual within this system affect everyone else, and thus it is important to approach conflicts with a sense of unity and meekness, rather than seeking revenge or trying to solve problems unilaterally. By doing so, we can avoid damaging relationships and the name of God, and instead bring about blessings and harmony.
Dr. Roberto Miranda shares a story about a misunderstanding with a musician, Juan Carlos Alvarado, and how he and his team used the principle of "spiritual judo" to resolve the situation and bring glory to God. He explains that the world operates on the principle of retaliation and exploitation, but Christ established a different principle of overcoming evil with good, hate with love, war with peace, and hurtful words with silence pregnant with spiritual force. He encourages listeners to live by these principles and trust in God's provision and protection.
The word of the Lord says there: "... you have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but I tell you, do not resist the one who is evil, but rather, to anyone who strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other one also, and Whoever wants to sue you and take your tunic, give him your cloak as well. And whoever compels you to carry a load one mile, go with him two. To the one who asks you, give. And whoever wants to borrow from you, do not refuse it. You have heard that it was said that you will love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and follow you so that be children of your Father who is in heaven, who makes his sun rise on the bad and good, who makes it rain on the just. Because if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Do not the publicans also do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more? Have not the Gentiles likewise? Be ye therefore perfect as your Father which is in heaven is perfect….”
The Lord has been speaking to me about the need for us to meditate on those truths that sometimes we tend to leave in the background in our desire to seek the power of God and to seek the glory of God in our lives, we seek sometimes the most striking and spectacular things, and we forget those simple things that have to do with the attitudes of our hearts, which have more to do with the being of the Christian life than with the doing of the Christian life.
The Lord has been speaking to me about the need for us to meditate on those truths that sometimes we tend to leave in the background in our desire to seek the power of God and to seek the glory of God in our lives, we seek sometimes the most striking and spectacular things, and we forget those simple things that have to do with the attitudes of our hearts, which have more to do with the being of the Christian life than with the doing of the Christian life.
