Matthew 5:38-42
Jesus
Teaches about Retaliation
5:38
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for an eye,
and tooth for tooth,'
39
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil
person.
-
- If someone strikes you
on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40
And if someone wants to sue you and take your
tunic, let him have your cloak as
well.
-
- 41
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with
him two miles.
-
42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away
from the one who wants to borrow from
you."
-
This
is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to
change the way that we think, and the way that
we live.
Commentary
by Bob Pardue
Jesus Teaches about
Retaliation
Is Jesus saying that
Christians should be weak people to be taken
advantage of at every turn? Not at all. He is
simply stating facts about our nature as human
beings.
When we are wronged, often
our first reaction is to get even. Instead Jesus
said we should do good to those who wrong
us!
As the bracelet worn by many
younger Christians in the '90s read; "WWJD" or
"What would Jesus Do?" so should we still ask that
question. What would Jesus do in these situations?
The Scripture tells us what Jesus did when
He was wronged ... He forgave!
If we are to be followers of
Christ, He has set forth specific instructions for
us to follow.
Our desire should not be to
keep score, but to love and forgive just as Christ
did.
It is not natural for us to
behave this way -- it is supernatural. Only God can
give us the strength to love as He does.
Instead of planning
vengeance, pray for those who hurt you. Your life
will be richer for it and the person who harmed you
will see a different side to society.
Love in Christ
- Bob
If you have never made the
commitment to receive the love and life-changing
experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to
go
here and take the
first
steps to salvation.
Another Scripture Study Passage
Matthew
5:33-37
- Jesus
Teaches about
Vows
-
One word
comes to mind -- Integrety. When I read these
verses from Matthew about vows explained by Jesus,
this word rings in my ears. Our word is closely
related to our name so lets make sure and keep them
unmarred See what this Baptist lesson says about
keeping promises.
Verses about getting even with others are
from Life Application Study Bible: New
International Version
Comments are welcome. Please email
me with any questions or comments you
may have.
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