Render Good for Evil

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
"You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:38-48, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
"'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'" Here in the midst of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus issues radical responses to our natural desire for retaliation. He explains how to interpret the law within the context of love. We read these words as part of the explanation (see Exodus 21:22-25) of the Decalogue, which was written to limit the vengeance exacted for abuse. (We do not take a leg for an eye or a foot for a tooth.) As the Old Testament taught, "Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; wait for the Lord, and he will help you" (Proverbs 20:22). 

In reality, both we and the Israelites have trouble waiting for God’s justice. We hold grudges against those who have wronged us and feel justified in doing so. While we may not openly display our anger, the seething spirit of anger within awaits the opportunity to raise its ugly head. Jesus addresses our natural inclinations with seemingly unnatural actions toward those who wrong us. We neither get even nor speak evil of the matter. We turn the other cheek. These startling responses call to mind our startling God, and they enable peaceful relationships that reflect our relationship with God. All will be reconciled through Christ Jesus. 

Jesus teaches us to release revenge, to render good for evil. He calls us to forgiveness, to the surrender of our personal will to that of God, to let go and allow the love of God to permeate the entirety of our hearts. Living into "holy" requires so much from us—we achieve it only through giving ourselves to Jesus. 


PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, in Jesus' name, we approach your seat of grace, asking for mercy and patience from you. We are so quick to retaliate when we feel slighted or wronged. By your grace, move us beyond our "eye for eye" thinking and living. Through the power of your Spirit, enable us to remember that Jesus willingly embraced abuse so that we might be reconciled to God. Help us to remember who we are in Christ. And, as those who bear his name, strengthen us to live from a heart overflowing with Christ's love. Amen.