Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s an honor to be here with you today.
Today is April 10.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down

Jesus is here.
He’s sitting in your favorite spot, waiting for you to join Him.
You have a million things on your mind that need your attention, but right now it’s time to be with Jesus.
Set those things aside, relax, and calm your body.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, You are my defender.”
As you exhale, pray: “Free me from the need to retaliate.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read

You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.  (Matthew 5:38–42, NLT)

Notice

What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread

Hear these words again, not as a call to be a doormat, but as a description of someone so secure in God that they no longer need to protect their ego at all costs.
 

Meditate

“An eye for an eye” was actually a mercy law in its original context — it was meant to limit revenge, not license it. But Jesus goes further still. He describes a way of living that doesn’t keep score at all.
Turn the other cheek. Give your shirt as well as your coat. Walk the extra mile. These aren’t images of weakness — they’re images of extraordinary inner freedom. The person Jesus is describing isn’t being walked over. They’re choosing, from a place of strength and trust in God, not to let retaliation drive their response.
This is one of the most difficult teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Our instinct when we’re hurt is to hurt back — or at minimum, to withdraw and protect. Jesus invites us into something harder and more beautiful: a life so rooted in God’s love and security that we can absorb an offense without being destroyed by it.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
Is there a situation in my life right now where I’m being called to respond with generosity rather than retaliation — to absorb rather than strike back?

Respond

Jesus, You modeled this perfectly. You were wronged in every way imaginable, and You did not retaliate. I want that kind of freedom — not the freedom to be a pushover, but the freedom to not be controlled by how others treat me. Secure me in Your love so deeply that I can afford to be generous even when it hurts.
Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Do Something Unexpectedly Kind for Someone Who Has Wronged You
Today’s habit is one of the most challenging in this series — but also one of the most transformative: think of someone who has hurt, frustrated, or wronged you recently, and do one small, unexpected act of kindness toward them.
It could be as simple as a kind word, a genuine smile, or quietly doing something helpful for them without making a point of it. You’re not excusing what they did. You’re not pretending it didn’t hurt. You’re simply choosing — as an act of trust in God — not to let their offense determine your next move.
This is exactly what Jesus is describing. The extra mile. The second cheek. The shirt as well as the coat. These are all pictures of someone who has handed the scoreboard to God and walked free.
Before you do it, pray: “Jesus, this is hard. But I trust You with this. Help me to respond the way You would.”

I have one ask of you before you go, could you please share this podcast with one person today? One person at a time will grow this podcast to help more people walk with Jesus.
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus