"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away." Matthew 5:38-42
Old Testament civil laws required just punishments for wrongs done: "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" (cf. Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:19-20; and Deuteronomy 19:21). Thus, the people of Jesus' day heard it said. Yet God's holy law demands more, for we are to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39; Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18).
We may have a legal right to defend ourselves and seek justice when we are wronged, but God desires that we be like Him and deal with those who fight against us in love and mercy. Thus, instead of striking back when we are struck, we are urged to turn the other cheek. When we are sued for a certain part of our property, we are urged to freely give more than demanded. And if compelled to carry someone's burden for a mile, we are urged to do even more and carry it for two.
In other words, instead of doing only what is demanded and required of us in dealing with others, love urges and demands that we do more -- that we resist the opportunity to strike back and that we give more and do more than what is demanded of us.
Sad to say, our shortcomings and failures to live up to God's holy will quickly become evident. We fail to love those who have wronged us and seek revenge rather than turning the other cheek. Instead of going the extra mile and giving more than demanded of us, we seek to give the minimum, do the least required of us. How is this love for God or neighbor? We see sin's corruption in our own thoughts, words and deeds -- it permeates our lives.
But Jesus fulfilled God's holy law for us. He was mistreated, struck and crucified; but He did not even open His mouth against His enemies. He willingly took upon Himself the guilt and burden of our sins, carried it to the cross and suffered our punishment -- all that we might be reconciled, have forgiveness and spend eternity with Him in heaven. Indeed, that is love!
O Lord Jesus, God's Son and our Savior, forgive us for our sinfulness and our failures to love You and our neighbor as Your holy law requires. For the sake of Your blood shed for us upon the cross, pardon and forgive and grant us everlasting life with You in heaven. Amen.
Devotion by Randy Moll. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Editorial on 09/30/2015