Matthew 5:38,39
“You have heard that it was said, ‘EYE FOR EYE, and TOOTH FOR TOOTH.’ But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also.”
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus is redefining much. Here is the original reference to above quote, “if people struggle with each other and strike a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely, but there is no injury, the guilty person shall certainly be fined as the woman’s husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise”, (Exodus 21:22-25). This makes sense. I’ve heard it said that much of our justice system comes from the Old Testament Law.
I don’t think Jesus is trying to overturn the justice system. It should remain as a general way to deal with injustices. This is to believers who have new commandments, to love God and others. He wants us to be like Him, to love everyone, even those who are evil.
Does this mean we are to accept abuse? No. If crimes are committed, then justice is to be served. It comes to our attitude. We are to love everyone. But we’ve been hurt. Yes, but we are to forgive and love. Do we live under abuse? No, proverbs speaks much about avoiding those who are evil. We should make changes to avoid them. However, we may still come in contact with them. When we do we are to be loving.
I had a conflict with two coworkers a couple of months ago. I brought up the issue with them, but they stood their ground. I went to the administration, but they didn’t help. I had to forgive them. It’s been rough. God has helped me through it. When the issue surfaces in my mind, I have to recite forgiveness.
I am cordial and respectful toward them. I am returning kindness to their rudeness. It’s a contrast to them. I don’t think they like me, but they must acknowledge I’m taking the high road.
What have I learned from this? I was angry with their actions. I believe righteously so. This wasn’t wrong. I went to my superiors. That wasn’t wrong. I saw that my rights weren’t respected. That wasn’t wrong. I did learn that I could focus less on my rights. These aren’t big deals. I could worry less about them. The big difference was at the end to go to forgiveness and love. I don’t trust them and I respect them less, but I still love them.
Cody Carnes has a song Simple Kingdom. Many of the lyrics are from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Here are some, “Your Kingdom is backwards, it flows in reverse
What You call a treasure this world calls a curse. The small become great and the last become first. Your Kingdom is backwards, Lord, teach us to serve. As it is with Your Kingdom, let it be with Your church.” This is great. This is what Jesus is talking about.
Lord, it is a blessing to be part of Your kingdom. Help us to learn Your ways and to walk in them.