Matthew 5:38-39 ” You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

The original intent of the Old Testament Law (found in Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, & Deuteronomy 19:21) was to limit punishment to that which was equitable and fitting for the crime committed. What it attempted to do was to prohibit demanding a greater punishment sheerly out of vengeance. But here, Jesus is turning the Law on its head and telling us that we are to not to return evil with evil. He elaborated on this in Luke 6:27, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” In other words, when we are insulted or injured we are to return assault with nonviolence, and exploitation with generosity. For when our sinful nature wants to rise up in resentment, retaliation, and a demanding of our own rights, we switch from Godly anger to sinful anger quickly, our Christlikeness is totally absent, and we dishonor the Lord.

Author: kezha1

A Christian mother, grandmother, and retired nurse living in Illinois. Called into a ministry of encouraging others to find their ultimate plan and purpose in life through Christ. View all posts by kezha1