"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek as well; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:38-48)
Let us examine two teachings of Christ so that we may rightly and accurately follow our new nature and fulfill His precious commandment!
What then does Jesus call us to, breaking our stereotypes?
Spinelessness or the courage of heaven?
What is the first impression that arises in us when we begin to clearly understand what the Lord calls us to? Is it a call to be spineless or a donkey that everyone rides?
Jesus certainly does not call us to be fearful and cowardly before those who do evil—strong, brazen, and so on. He calls us to courage and nobility unlike any other. This is the strength of heaven—not to play by earthly rules.
We may look like weaklings and donkeys to others. But in reality, this is not our essence. Jesus Himself lived and acted this way on earth—both Lion and Lamb.
We see commandments: punishments and limitations.
Matthew 5:38-48: "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye and tooth for tooth'" (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21).
In the Old Testament, God established a system of just punishment for violations of others' rights. Evil must necessarily be punished by retribution...
On the other hand, this call was restrictive in punishment. Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth—no more. And this did not allow pouring excessive wrath upon the offender. We see both truth and mercy!
