Matthew 5:38-42
Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 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. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Verse 38 refers to Exodus 21:23-25 which states "But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, stripe for stripe."
Aren't you glad we are not bound under that law today? We would all walk around maimed. Now, verses 39-41 talks about when someone asks something us us, giving more then they ask. I don't think Jesus expects us to physically give away everything we have. I think these verses speaks more about not retaliating when someone does something to us.
I do believe Jesus expects us to give to others in our abundance. And if we are just getting by financially, you can always find a way to give of your time.
Have you ever lent someone something and never gotten it back? I have. Usually it was a book. I've lent a lot of books out and never seen them again. My policy now is to recommend the book and leave it to them to get it and read it. If it's something I think would really benefit the person, and really hope they will read it,
I buy them a copy. When it comes to money, I never lend money. If someone asks and I can afford it, I gift it to them. If I can't gift it, I don't give it. If we give someone something with no expectation of receiving it back, we have no hard feelings.
I buy them a copy. When it comes to money, I never lend money. If someone asks and I can afford it, I gift it to them. If I can't gift it, I don't give it. If we give someone something with no expectation of receiving it back, we have no hard feelings.
Whether it's turning the other cheek (not retaliating) or giving of our abundance (or time) Jesus blesses us so we can bless others. What do you have in abundance today? Look around you. Who can be blessed through you today? Now go bless them!
Blessings, Cecilia
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