Turn That Cheek

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7

This verse came to mind today when talking with ladies from my Bible study. We weren't talking about adultery or even forgiveness, we were talking about "turning the cheek" when a picture of the woman this verse is talking about came to my mind.

What if this woman, instead of quietly standing next to Jesus, started accusing those who accused her? What if she yelled back at them claiming they were as guilty as she was or what if she picked up stones and started throwing them at her accusers? Other than thinking she was crazy, they probably would have had a lot harder time walking away from stoning her.

My point is when someone accuses us or wrongs us, the way we react can either draw someone in or push them away.

In the story of the adulterous woman, she clearly had been living a sinful life and though we may be innocent of our "charges," if we fight back with a vengeance, seek revenge or back lash with gossip we become just as guilty as those doing the accusing. Jesus wasn't a door mat but he wasn't a bully either. Keep Him in mind the next time you are feeling the need to lash out at someone for "doing you wrong" or for "throwing you under the bus." Remember, the way we react can either spur on our enemies to pick up those stones or encourage them to realize their wrong doing and judgmental attitudes.

Nothing wrong about dinner tonight...Italian sausage with pasta, peppers and onions.

Italian Sausage and Pasta

1 pkg Italian mild sausage

2 tbsp olive oil

1 green pepper, chopped

1 med onion, chopped

1/2 cup white wine

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1 cup Alfredo sauce (1 small jar, save the leftovers for steamed veggies another night)

1/2 box rigate pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain then set aside. In large skillet with deep sides, heat oil. Place sausage in pan then add enough water to almost cover them (half way). Simmer until water has evaporated then brown on both sides in remaining oil. Remove sausage and set aside. Add peppers and onions to the skillet and saute until tender. Add wine and reduce heat. Slice sausage into bite size pieces then return to the skillet. Pour in spaghetti sauce and simmer 30 minutes then add Alfredo sauce and simmer 10 more minutes. Add in pasta and serve with garlic bread and a salad.