Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:37 (HCSB)
You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Today’s Question: Can you recall a time in your life when you wanted revenge?
Today’s Commentary
Looking back on my childhood, I thought the punishment I was given never equaled the my crime. When I found myself in a heap of trouble, the punishment came quickly and with seriousness. I thought my parents, teachers, and others in authority were tough, rigid, and overly anxious to prosecute me. In reflection, I now see that grace abounded. I never got what I deserved, at least not in full.
Justice is a cornerstone principle to a civil society. Crime ought to be punished in a prudent and appropriate way. Therefore, God established in the Mosaic Law that punishment must match the crime. As an example, the phrase, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” came to be the rule of thumb. (Exodus 21:23-25)
God instituted this law to emphasize two points. First, angry retaliation and personal vengeance are inappropriate. Second, having serious consequences of current crimes also works to prevent future crime. Justice is based upon the character of God, and governments are called to be His agents for establishing fair treatment.
On a personal level, God’s character of grace is the rule. This is the point of Jesus in this passage. For the disciple of Christ, punishing crime is not the appropriate goal. For the sake of the Gospel and to win an opportunity to share it, the attitude or response of the disciple must be one of grace. As an act of love and devotion to God, turn the other cheek, give someone your coat, and go twice as far as someone requires. “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17, HCSB)
While I may have the right to retribution and retaliation, in Christ, I have the privilege of showing forgiveness and grace.
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #22: Followers of Jesus should be more concerned with their potential to reach others with the Gospel than in asserting their personal rights.
Today’s Prayer Point: Ask God to give you discernment and patience in dealing with difficult people. Ask Him to protect your witness and testimony before others by controlling your emotions.
Shepherding Well 