So many times in my life I have been in conversations with others who adhere to the “eye for eye” payback to someone who hurt them or defrauded them. Great arguments were given why the “eye for an eye” approach is fair and reasonable. It’s an argument often hard to refute.
And yet, this is what Jesus says about an “eye for eye”:
“38 You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you: Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also, 40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give your coat as well, 41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42 Give to the one who asks of you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you”
Matthew 5:38-42.
Jesus also preached and referred to “The Golden Rule”, which is “Do unto others as they do unto you.” Jesus said in Matthew’s Gospel:
“12 In everything do to others as you would have them do to you,
for this is the Law and the Prophets”
Matthew 7:12.
And Jesus spoke these words in Luke’s Gospel:
“27 But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; 28 bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you” Luke 6:27-31.
But I am compelled to try to follow the “new love command” Jesus gave us just before His death:
“34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.
Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another”
John 13:34.
So today, take time in your prayer to consider how much Jesus’ new love command affects your decisions. Pray that the Lord will let you love as He loves, remembering that it is Jesus’ desire that we do just that - love as He loves. I know that God’s grace for all of us is the sufficient grace of God.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
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