Of the things that Jesus teaches, one of the hardest to swallow is what he says about enemies and retaliation. This is what Jesus says about retaliation.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. (Matthew 5:38-41)
I often hear people refer to the turn the other cheek aspect of this section of his teaching as the tough part. Some have even been baffled by what Jesus means with walking the extra mile. What’s really sticking out, though is the first thing Jesus says – Do not resist the one who is evil.
The actions that follow won’t make sense unless we get to the heart of the matter, because as ever this is a matter of the heart.
First it’s important to say that Jesus is by no means saying that we should just let evil happen. The heart of the matter is not about passivity. On the contrary this is an active response that reminds us that we are called to be merciful. Retaliation is about taking matters into your own hands to execute punishment on another in line with how you’ve been wronged. You can inflict what the other has coming to them. Vengeance shall be yours.
That’s a perfectly understandable approach. It takes a lot for something to happen to you and for you to not just accept it, but in no way actively seek to get one back on the other. It does take a lot – it takes a complete change of heart. It’s a change of heart that is available when we acknowledge our identity in Christ. Really and truly if we want to get one back on the other for hurting us, we should think what should we receive for the wrong that we’ve done. Not just to others, but to God because our attitude.
Yet God’s love is so amazing that rather than condemn us, He offers mercy. In fact in His mercy He offers His Son to take the sins that we deserved. Not only that when we look at Jesus’ attitude to those who opposed Him, He showed us exactly the approach. He did not resist the one who did evil. Why? Because it’s the narrow way to live mercifully. Rather than rendering evil for evil, the principle is to respond to evil with good. We gave Him all of our hurts, our pains, our suffering and He turns around and gives us abundant life.
When He asks us to turn around to the person who He calls evil and rather than react in like manner, give them what they were not expecting, this is our opportunity to truly show who we are. Turning around evil for good, giving love having received hatred, refusing to pursue vengeance and instead producing mercy – that’s a glorious reflection of a loving Saviour who allowed Himself to be betrayed, disappointed, spat on, lied on, brutally crucified and in response asked for the forgiveness of those that did this.
When we remember who we are, we can take Jesus at this word, turn the other cheek, walk the extra mile, respond to hate with love.
(Photo by Michael Fenton on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 