Title: Do not retaliate / Matthew 5:38-42
Content Introduction
I. Love even your enemies
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth’, but I say to you, resist the evil one” (Matthew 5:38). This verse is about the so-called East Revenge Law recorded in Exodus 21:22-25, Leviticus 24:20, Deuteronomy 19:21, etc.
When a person is harmed, they are inclined to take revenge. It also seeks revenge for more damage than it has taken. For example, in Genesis 34, two brothers, Simeon and Levi, take the lead and take revenge on the people of Shechem who insulted their older sister (Dinah). The law that made such retaliation not to be carried out among one's own people or with other peoples was the 'a tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye'. In other words, the law set the limit for revenge and made it right. In other words, no more harm must be done to a person with eyes removed. These words limit the feelings and actions of those with revenge grudges.
But Jesus interprets the words of this law by saying, “Do not oppose the evil one.” In a way, you may think that you are changing the meaning of the law. However, this is the original meaning of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” in the Law. The reason God gave this law is not for revenge, but rather for forgiveness and love. That is why God said in the law, “Do not take revenge, do not grumble against your fellow men, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18).
Dear saints, Please do not misunderstand the saying ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’. The Israelites still misunderstand this verse and use it. So, if the neighboring countries attack even a little, they will retaliate thoroughly by shouting, ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth!’ Please believe that these words are not about retaliation, but about refraining from retaliation and forgiving.
II. when insulted
So, specifically, when should we not oppose the evil one? Jesus gave an example to explain. First, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other too!” To strike your opponent's right cheek, you must strike with the back of your hand. A slap on the cheek with the back of a hand doesn't hurt as much as a palm, but at the time it was a very, very big insult, twice as much as a slap on the palm. When you receive such an unbearable insult, do not retaliate, but rather turn your left side.
Early on, Joseph was accused of attempted rape, Jeremiah, who preached the gospel with tears for the nation, was driven as a slave to slavery, and the believers in Rome were unfairly misunderstood as arsonists and cannibals. Mary was even rebuked for wasting her precious devotion to Jesus. But all these ancestors of faith did not retaliate or hate when insulted. This is the characteristic of those who have the love of God.
Dear saints, There are times in our lives when we face insults big and small. Moreover, there are many insults that come from being a believer. At that time, true believers do not retaliate or hate. Did you hear a bad thing? Who is slandering me without knowing my sincerity? Are you unfairly blaming your pure service and zeal as hypocrisy? So did you quarrel? Do you want to quit church? So it shouldn't be. Our ancestors of faith were insulted and misunderstood more than this, but they did not lose their faith. I hope you love it nonetheless. Nevertheless, please forgive me.
Ⅲ. when you ask for a sacrifice
Jesus also said, “And if you accuse you, let anyone who wants to take your underwear have your cloak too, and if anyone forces you to go a duck, go two miles with that person, give to the one who asks of you, and do not refuse the one who wants to borrow.” You said.
Outerwear was a necessity for ordinary people at that time. Because it is clothing during the day, but a blanket at night. So, if you take a mortgage on your outer garment, God told you to return it before sunset. However, he was telling the person who was trying to take my underwear to give me a coat if he wanted. Also, for those who want to go with a duck by force, it is not a duck but a mile to accompany them. These words do not mean that I do not want to suffer any loss when others ask for my sacrifice, but rather that I give more than they hoped for.
Dear saints, Please remember that when God loves us, He does not only give us what we ask for, He gives us abundantly. “To him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work in us, to him in the church and in Christ Jesus from generation to generation, to all generations, glory, Amen!” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Since we have received so much love, it is only natural that we should treat our neighbors with overflowing love. Therefore, the reason why the saints claim their rights and try to take care of them is because they still do not know what the love of Christ is. Do any of you still claim your rights? Don't you think you should listen to me because I donate a lot? Don't you think you should not ignore me because I've been to our church the longest? If so, then you must be someone who is not even a beginner in the faith yet. Jesus gave up all the glory and honor he deserved as the Son of God. For us. And he died on the cross. Just for you and me. The Lord has given up all the rights of great glory and honor for our sake. If we say we are grateful for the Lord's grace, but still try to keep our rice bowls behind, how can we say that we are people who know the grace of the Lord?
conclusion