(Matthew 5:38-39)
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also.TODAY'S TAKEAWAY
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: these verses should never be taken out of context to imply that if we are Christians, we should just put up with domestic abuse and/or purposefully insert ourselves into scenarios with physical violence. So, back to these verses... culturally, apart from physical harm, the blow on the right cheek was considered the most grievous insult in the ancient world. This offense could even be brought to court In both the Jewish and Roman law. An example of this happened to the prophet Micaiah...
(1 Kings 22:24) Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah approached and struck Micaiah on the cheek; and he said, “How did the Spirit of the Lord pass from me to speak to you?” (Other examples are found in Job 16:10 and Lamentations 3:30.)
Now, how are we to apply these two verses from Jesus' sermon on the mount, as Jesus was giving all these bullet points of insight for the people to mull over? Well, God is very clear, and His word says it best...
(Romans 12:17-21) Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: believers are called to value relationships over ourselves, even with evil people. This is NOT to say that we are to become BFFs with our enemies. Looking back at Matthew 5:39 very closely, it doesn't even say we are to approve or show agreement with them, because we know God tells us to stand for justice from such verses as...
(Proverbs 31:8-9)
8 Open your mouth for the people who cannot speak,
For the rights of all the unfortunate.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And defend the rights of the poor and needy.
God tells us to correct oppression and humbly bring true justice to orphans and widows, defending and upholding the cause for the weak, poor, and the oppressed (Psalm 82:3, Proverbs 29:7, Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8, Zechariah 7:8, James 1:27).
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: we are never told to seek out abuse or violence...
(Proverbs 4:14-15)
14 Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil people.
15 Avoid it, do not pass by it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
(Psalm 37:27) Turn from evil and do good, so that you will dwell forever.
(Romans 12:21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Ephesians 6:11) Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: submitting ourselves to the Lord God is everything! Within our loving, personal relationship, we realize that God cares for us so deeply, and desires our lives to be complete, fulfilled and satisfied in His will and purpose, to experience His joy, to His glory. Because He wants to do life WITH us! Therefore, He asks us to...
(1 Thessalonians 5:17) "Pray without ceasing."
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