Love for One AnotherInclusive Love
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) Love Your EnemiesMatthew 5:38-42
New International VersionEye for Eye38 “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. For ReflectionWhen the admonition was given, "eye for an eye" was probably offered as a restriction on retribution. Vendettas were often quite violent, and the punishments far exceeded the harm of the "crime." Jesus also forbids resistance by asking us to take Love one step further by refusing to give in to the lure of evil for evil.
Rather than asking, is resisting ever warranted, perhaps we should seek to understand what is meant by non-resistance. Since the great commandment of love, Jesus has advanced its functional meaning. Jesus asks us to rely on love, yes, even in the face of insults, harm, and oppressive tyranny. In his Expositions of Holy Scripture, MacLaren writes, "He that meets evil with evil is ‘overcome of [or by] evil’; he that meets it with patient love is likely in most cases to ‘overcome evil with good.’ And even if he fails, he has, at all events, used the only weapon that has any chance of beating down the evil, and it is better to be defeated when fighting hate with love than to be victorious when fighting it with itself, or demanding an eye for an eye."*
Certainly, taking such a chance is controversial and will require great courage and confidence in the promise of God. But in most situations, following the Great Commandment is not that difficult. Although when faced with what may be considered a mortal threat, loving one's enemy is quite challenging.
*Alexander MacLaren, D. D., Litt. D., {1826-1910}, Expositions Of Holy Scripture PrayPray for the courage to address evil acts with your acts of love. Pray for the wisdom to find creative ways of nonviolent objection, which is rooted in love. Pray and listen to God's whispered advice to act unconventionally in love, whatever the cost. Pray and realize that violence for violence only results in more violence, but Love in the face of violence yields the only lasting solution.
Forward to a friend | 
