Justice and Mercy

Has someone done something wrong to you? Sometimes our first reaction is to get even, but Jesus says we should do good to those who hurt us. Check out what Matthew 5:38-39 says.

"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 someone strikes you on the right cheek turn to him the other also." 

These verses may seem upside down to today's world. However, what Jesus wants from us is to respond in love and not react to our situations. Many things make people upset today, but God doesn't want us to retaliate on the ones we feel have done wrong things to us. How can we not? Jesus says, "Pray for those who persecute you" Matthew 5:44. Have you tried to stay angry with someone you pray for? It's almost impossible. 

Jesus doesn't stop with teaching about responding instead of reacting. He goes on to say, "And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." This is as hard for me as not retaliating, but Jesus doesn't want us to be tied to our personal belongings. He is ready and willing to provide for all our needs. So if someone wants to take something of ours, we should not feel possessive over it. If someone asks us for something, when it is possible, we should be willing to help. And if someone wants us to walk with them a mile, we should be willing to walk even further. 

Think About It
God freely gave to us. What does He expect in return? "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" Micah 6:8. Let us not retaliate when wronged. Let us hold loosely to our time and possessions.

Pray About It
Lord Jesus, these are hard lessons. When someone hurts us, we want to strike back. Forgive us and change our hearts that we would have a new attitude toward others. Help us to hold our things lightly so when someone needs what we have, we can offer it to them without reluctance. Amen.

---