We read in Matthew 5 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. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." (Matthew 5:38-42 ESV)
This is a lot to ask. When we are wronged, we rightfully want to defend ourselves. Often that defense includes retaliation. But here, Jesus plainly says that is not the way.
Much of the Bible is written as poetry or parable and is subject to interpretation. This passage is not like that at all. It is very straightforward.
How are we to live in this manner? In many areas of life we are literally and metaphorically attacked. It comes natural to want to take a righteous stance and defend ourselves, yet we are told otherwise.
“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. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." (Matthew 5:38-42 ESV)
This is a lot to ask. When we are wronged, we rightfully want to defend ourselves. Often that defense includes retaliation. But here, Jesus plainly says that is not the way.
Much of the Bible is written as poetry or parable and is subject to interpretation. This passage is not like that at all. It is very straightforward.
How are we to live in this manner? In many areas of life we are literally and metaphorically attacked. It comes natural to want to take a righteous stance and defend ourselves, yet we are told otherwise.