Matthew 5:38-42 | Romans 12:18-21
This is one of those passages where it would be really helpful if we could be on top of the mountain with Jesus to clarify his teaching with some questions. It seems like really good advice if one wants to get really, really hurt or abused. He can’t possibly mean that in situations of vulnerability, we just sit there and take it, right?
What did he come to rescue people from if not situations of peril, hurt, violence, and abuse?
Maybe Jesus here is taking a verbal stand against those - and there are many of us - whose first instinct is to fight fire with fire. Indeed, it a counter to any “blow for blow” response with which Jesus begins this teaching. If we can find ourselves moving out of the extremes, we can begin to find the space for grace.
If nothing else, we certainly can take from this that Jesus’ Kingdom is not about retribution.
Matthew 5:38-42
“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you that you must not oppose those who want to hurt you. If people slap you on your right cheek, you must turn the left cheek to them as well. When they wish to haul you to court and take your shirt, let them have your coat too. When they force you to go one mile, go with them two. Give to those who ask, and don’t refuse those who wish to borrow from you.”
Romans 12:18-21
If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.
Prayer
God - Thank you for another day. As I rise to meet it, meet me first. Show me hope and light and give me breath and energy.
Help me to be proactive and responsive rather reactive and incendiary today. Where people are being hurt, make it stop. And give strength to those who can’t find their way out at the moment. Help us to break cycles of violence and retribution, whether it be my very own words or those large situations we see across the world.
By your Spirit & in Christ, Amen.
Proactive and responsive instead of reactive and incendiary. Sometimes even if I don’t get or take physical retribution I can take verbal or mental retribution which usually leans on the incendiary.
Lord help me not to be incendiary!
Thank you. This was appropriate to a situation I am in..Lord help me to love this person and to not be reactive