Love Does

Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them and accept the insults of their enemies. — Lamentations 3:30

When people get angry or defensive they tend to make mistakes.

But nobody can be defensive with their palms up. 

Go ahead and try it. Right now, wherever you are. Set your hands on your knees and turn your palms toward the sky. Clinch your fists. Most people could get angry at a grapefruit when their fists are clinched. Something about the hardwiring that God gave each of us links the position of our bodies and position of our hearts.

I’m not sure why we’re wired this way, but I rarely have a client get frustrated or confused or get tempted to exaggerate or tell a lie when his palms are up. I learned this technique from Jesus actually. I used to walk around with my fists clinched, defensive, afraid people were going to take advantage of me. There are also many evils in the world that caused me to clinch my fists. I wanted to be angry and swing at the horrible things people do to one another, especially the things done to kids.

But it was Jesus who taught me there was nothing I could really lose if I had Him. He taught me to be palms up, just like He was.

Palms up means you have nothing to hide and nothing to gain or lose.

Palms up means you are strong enough to be vulnerable, even with your enemies. Even when you have been tremendously wronged.

Jesus was palms up, to the end.
Dear God, help me to keep my palms up — both for You and for others.

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Watch the video now. Adapted from Love Does by Bob Goff.

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What Readers Are Saying About Love Does

I have read a lot of great Christian books which contain interesting stories and good advice on ways of following Jesus more closely, but I cannot remember any that grabbed my imagination and presented a fresh and original challenge as forcefully as this one. This is simply an outstanding book, and I highly recommend it, particularly for young adults.  - John

Fantastic! Clever and bold, reading this book is like listening to a wise old friend remind you how wonderful God is and how He calls us to live boldly in the faith, chasing after His heart and doing His will. #livepalmsup - Jane 

This book should be a must read for anyone who has breath. It's simple, short chapters leave you contemplating your own life and hungering for more. Here's one individual who has made every minute of his life count for the good of others while impacting them for eternity. - Grace

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