Don’t play fair | Practical Prescription #7

Don’t Play Fair… | Practical Prescription #7 | Dr. Troy Doucet | May 28, 2023 

Dr. Troy Doucet starts off with a story from his years as a teenage boxer when he witnessed an unfair fight.

In life, we shouldn’t aim to be fair or equal – we must be more than fair. We must show grace and find redemption – that is how transformation happens.

Playing fair is a recipe for disaster, especially in our relationships. Why would Jesus say fairness is not the way? Because there is a new layer, a deeper understanding of what leads to a better life – love and forgiveness instead of morality and equality (fairness). It is not an easy ask, it is a challenge for us to be more.

Life isn’t fair, so it requires us to do something that is unfair in response. Following the teachings of Jesus is not easy. It requires more from us.

Your life now is based on the seeds you’ve planted in the past. Remember, our actions and behaviors are dictated not by our beliefs, but by our values.

Do you value revenge and retaliation? Or is transformation and reconciliation what fuels your choices?

Practice this: Look for yourself in those that have hurt you, see what you would need if you were them. Grace? Forgiveness? Kindness? Understanding? When you do unto others as you would want done to you, you can show love and forgive others more (especially when they don’t deserve it). This is the kind of insight that Jesus hoped to share when he said “you’ve heard it said, but I tell you… in Matthew 5: 38-48”.