You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer, on the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.     Matthew 5:38-39 HCSB

Today, we continue our discussion about the difficult things we are called to do as Christians. In our Scripture passage, Jesus quoted Exodus 21:24. This is one we all love to use, “An eye for an eye…”

Back in Moses’ day, judges were appointed to settle cases just as we have judges to settle civil and criminal cases in our courts today. These chapters in Exodus give specific details for how these cases were to be handled and it gave the proper punishment to fit the crime. Just as our courts today handle civil disputes and criminal cases, these judges were charged with doling out justice in the cases of wrongdoing.

Many love to live by the “Eye for an eye” rule. Not many of us want to turn the other cheek. I still struggle with this one myself.

Jesus explains in Matthew 5:38-39 the Christian’s way of handling things. We can’t use Exodus 21:24 to retaliate or seek revenge. If you want to be a Christian, you have to do things differently than those who are of the world. Jesus explained in our Scripture passage we are not to resist an evildoer but turn the other cheek. He goes on to say if someone demands your shirt give them your coat also and if someone forces you to walk a mile with them walk two.

Now this doesn’t mean we allow ourselves to be used as a doormat, but we are to leave vengeance to the Lord. It means we have to love the person, we have to forgive the person, but it does not mean we have to trust them. It doesn’t mean we have to allow them to mistreat us. It doesn’t even mean we have to associate with them.

Romans 12 deals with how Christians are to behave and in verse 10 it says we are to show family affection to one another with brotherly love. And we are to outdo one another in showing honor. In verse 19 we are told we are not to avenge ourselves, but we must leave room for God’s wrath. The Lord has said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” It’s not easy to do, but it’s what sets us apart. It’s part of our witness. It’s what allows others to see Christ in us.

One of the hardest things I have had to learn to do as a Christian is to not seek revenge when someone has hurt me or someone I love. It has been very difficult to give it over to God and let Him handle it. I want to handle it. I want that person to know they can’t get away with it. I want them to know I am going to deal swiftly with them. But this is not God’s way. We must trust in God to deal with those who perpetrate evil against us. We must trust in His timing.

If you are going to be a Christian, you are going to have to be able to let God handle vengeance. It’s your job to honor God in all you say and do. It’s His job to deal with those who come against you. Don’t get it confused.

In 1 Peter 2:22-23 it says, “He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth; when He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He was suffering, He did not threaten but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly.” We must do the same. When someone insults us or mistreats us, we must entrust ourselves to the One who judges justly. We must trust God to take care of it.

If you are going to be a Christian, you must do the hard stuff. You must do things differently from the way the world does them.

When someone hurts you, keep calm and give it over to God.

Have a great day!