It’s A Heart Issue, Part 16, Matthew 5:38-39

Matthew 5:38-39 (NKJV): ³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

There is an age old question, “Is Jesus really saying that we should lie down and take abuse? Are we not able to defend ourselves?” There are many who say that He does allow for us to defend ourselves and there are others who say that we should allow God to defend us. This is not what He was talking about here.

The main thing that Jesus was talking about in this passage is that we are not to seek revenge. Remember, even God said, “Vengeance is Mine” (Deuteronomy 32:35).

Why do you think that He does not want us to take revenge on someone/ What is it that He is seeing that we are not?

It starts off with that first, He wants us to Forgive. Remember, we are exhorted to forgive others like God has forgiven us. We, who certainly have not earned it, have been forgiven by The Almighty. That means that we should also forgive others.

Second, when people seek revenge on each other, it is usually something that escalates. It becomes a never ending act of revenge on each other, until someone either surrenders or dies.

God wants us to seek reconciliation with others. In Romans 12, Paul explains this a little further:

Romans 12:14-21 (NKJV): Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Are we able to seek reconciliation with others or are we quick to seek revenge? If we are seeking revenge, then maybe it’s time for a heart change. If we are seeking reconciliation, let our actions be something that we can teach others.