““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 an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” (Matthew 5:38–39, NASB95)

“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind” Mahatma Gandi

Could you imagine if you took a person’s eye every time they wronged you? Think about it; you would only have two opportunities to get even with people if you still had your eyes, so choose who you would get even with wisely. For most people, they wouldn’t be able to see to get even because they would have already been punished by the vengeance of others.

Jesus says, “Turn the other cheek,” but what does that really mean? To strike someone on the cheek in Biblical times or to “backhand” a person was a form of insult. When Jesus says to turn the other cheek, He is not saying that Christians need to be door mats and subject themselves to abuse but instead is saying that a Christian is not to get into the trading of insults. As Christ followers, we are to seek to break the cycle of retaliation by turning away vengeance instead of taking revenge.

Just because you can demand justice, should you? Jesus quotes two Old Testament verses, “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:24, NASB95), and ““Thus you shall not show pity: life for life; eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Deuteronomy 19:21, NASB95) in order to say that legally there is a place for equitable and legal punishment that fits the crime. These laws were not given to foster vengeance but to provide a standard of justice. The law also specifically states that you should not seek vengeance. “‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people. but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18, NASB95) So how should the Christ follower address offenses?

Christ followers can and should rise above the law of retaliation by showing mercy and giving grace. If instead of requiring an eye for an eye, may you give grace, perhaps the offender will be able to see their offense and seek forgiveness. Consider the example of Jesus at the cross when He gave grace and prayed, “Father forgive them; they don’t know what they do.”

In His Service,
Pastor Cary