Red Letter Edition: A Kingdom That Loves Its Enemies
“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 anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:38-48)
In a world where revenge often seems like the natural response to mistreatment or harm, the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-48 can be difficult to embrace. After all, who wants to be kind and forgiving to those who curse us or speak ill of us? It goes against our human instincts to retaliate when wronged. However, as we delve into these passages, we are reminded that God's purpose for our lives transcends our desire for vengeance.
It's important to begin by examining our hearts, as I did when studying these verses. We must search for any seeds of bitterness or anger that might hinder our ability to love people as God intended. Our goal should be to avoid defining ourselves by what we oppose or who we dislike. God's purpose for our lives is grander than that.
When we think of those who have hurt us physically, emotionally, or in other ways, our initial reaction is often a desire for revenge. Some may turn to self-destructive behaviors or even abuse others. Some use the legal system to exact their revenge. Retaliation takes various forms, driven solely by the imagination of those seeking it.
However, as Christ's followers, we turn to the Scriptures to understand what Jesus teaches about revenge and how we should treat those we perceive as enemies. To fully grasp Matthew 5:38-48, we should consider its connection to the context of Matthew 5:33-37, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in our words. We are called to let our "Yes" mean yes and our "No" mean no. Practicing truthfulness in all our relationships reduces misunderstandings and guards against bitterness.
Historically, these passages also need to be viewed within the context of the Roman occupation of Palestine. The people listening to Jesus's teachings were living under the oppressive rule of foreign occupiers, and Roman soldiers were not known for their kindness. Those in attendance at Jesus’s sermon heard His words through the lens of lives controlled by Roman authority.
Again, Jesus sought to correct a misinterpretation of the scriptures by religious leaders of his time. He began by addressing the notion of "an eye for an eye" from Exodus 21:24. While this principle existed, it originally pertained to civil authorities administering justice. However, over time, it shifted to personal vengeance, where individuals took matters into their own hands.
Jesus instructs his audience not to resist an evil person and goes further, saying that if someone insults them, they should turn the other cheek. This concept is challenging to understand, but it's crucial to note that Jesus is referring to insults rather than physical attacks. He encourages us to respond with patience and civility when faced with insults, just as he did when he endured insults and false accusations during his earthly ministry.
Moreover, Jesus provides practical examples of turning the other cheek: giving more than asked, going the extra mile, and not turning away from those in need. These teachings emphasize a willingness to endure personal discomfort and relinquish our rights for the greater good. In Jesus's kingdom, justice is about giving it rather than receiving it.
The people of Jesus's time might have found these teachings radically different from their expectations of a Messiah who would overthrow Rome and establish God's earthly kingdom. They missed the message that evil is overcome by doing good (Romans 12:21).
Jesus then introduces an even more radical concept: loving one's enemies. This idea challenges the interpretation of Leviticus 19:18, which some religious leaders had narrowed to loving only those who were similar in faith or ethnicity. But Jesus teaches that in his kingdom, evil is conquered by acts of love.
To love our enemies means blessing those who curse us, doing good to those who hate us, and praying for those who insult and persecute us. Living by Christ's teachings can make a powerful impact in a world filled with hate and revenge. Just as the early apostles prayed for and served their persecutors, we can choose love over vengeance because the Spirit helps us.
Jesus concludes this teaching by urging us to be "perfect" as our heavenly Father is perfect. While perfection may seem unattainable, the Greek word used in this passage (teleios) connotes the idea of maturity or completeness. We may never reach complete perfection in this fallen world, but we can grow in our:
Character: As we draw closer to Jesus through prayer and obedience, our character begins to reflect his values
Holiness: Following Christ's teachings separates us from the hatred and revenge prevalent in the world.
Maturity: Pursuing Christ's teachings inspires us to be more like him and exemplify his character.
Love: Following Christ enables us to love even those we once considered unlovable.
This growth requires commitment and perseverance. At times, it means letting go of the urge to retaliate. In a world where revenge is commonplace, embracing the teachings of Christ to love our enemies may seem radical, but it's a powerful way to bring light and transformation to the darkness around us. Living out these principles contributes to a kingdom that loves its enemies and seeks to overcome evil with good, just as our heavenly Father did when sending Jesus.
If you find this blog helpful and want to say thanks, click here to buy Danny Davis a coffee.
