Standing is not normal according to the world, and because Christians are called to be set apart, Standing is JUST what we should be doing! Jesus goes against the NORMAL!!

I have been watching The Chosen on YouTube. And one thing that stood out profoundly was how the MOMENT Jesus went against the normal, instantly was met with opposition from those that wanted no part in what didn’t make sense. They didn’t want change, or what they had come to know as the right way of doing things to be challenged. And the hatred and anger that came at anyone that dared challenge the normal were evident. 
People so blind and lost in the world will resist and hate anything that is from a different Kingdom, even if that is the Kingdom of God. Jesus came to bring the Kingdom of God to earth and reveal a NEW way of thinking. A new way of walking on this earth.
 
The world has made this law that says “once a cheater, always a cheater. You MUST get rid of the unfaithful one and move on and find someone else as you deserve better. If you remain standing for the cheater, then you degrade yourself and you see yourself as no value, what are you teaching your kids?” THAT IS THE NORM of the world. To be fair, the Word of God said that adulterers were to be put to death, that is how serious it is. But JESUS showed a different way to the woman caught in adultery!! He showed mercy, compassion, and how through REPENTANCE she could be redeemed.
 
God is about breaking the normals.
Matt 5 is where you hear Jesus teach about going above and beyond when He says, “You Have Heard that it was said…But I Say to You.” You want to start at the beginning of the chapter where He explains what it really means to be blessed. He is coming against our norm! He is exposing how we think that blessings are in material things, happiness, being high and mighty.
 
3“Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
4“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].
5“Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the [b]gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.
6“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.
7“Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.
9“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.
10“Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
11“Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me. 12Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
 
After He comes against the way we have been taught, He tells us WE are the salt, we are the light. WE are the ones that need to change the world. We are game-changers!
He tells us we are that CITY ON A HILL, lifted HIGH!
 
He then goes on, not to change the laws but to expound on them. To bring them to fullness and reveal a greater understanding of what God’s Kingdom is really like.
 
38“You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH [punishment that fits the offense].’ 39But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever [l]slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate–maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise]. 40If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, [m]let him have your coat also [for the Lord repays the offender]. 41And whoever [n]forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
43“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR (fellow man) and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, [o]love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may [show yourselves to] be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on those who are evil and on those who are good, and makes the rain fall on the righteous [those who are morally upright] and the unrighteous [the unrepentant, those who oppose Him]. 46For if you love [only] those who love you, what reward do you have? Matthew 5 amp
When those you love or trust come at you and tell you what you are doing (Standing for an unfaithful spouse who says they no longer love you,) is not what God would want for you, think about Jesus and how everything He taught was about going against the NORMAL. How He introduced things that bothered people so much, they could not handle His ways and they killed Him for it.
He said if you followed Him you would be hated. If you stood and believed in what He was teaching, you would make enemies with those that cling to the kingdom of darkness and refuse to come into the light and be transformed and separated apart from the world. 
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22
 What you are doing bothers people. It even bothers YOUR pride. Bothers the part of you that still has worldly beliefs and thinking. Read “When is Enough Enough” if you struggle with wanting to quit. 
 
You must be like Jesus. Instead of putting your light under a shade. Let it shine bright and learn how to explain what you are doing is EXACTLY what the Kingdom of God calls for.
 
14“You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5
Standing with you,
Sheila Hollinger