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.
Matthew 5:38-42
The principle known as Lex Talionis was a common legal formula in the ancient Near East, developed in early Mesopotamian law and adopted in the Torah, intended to limit retribution to a fair and equal measure. In those times, people often took matters into their own hands, literally.
This approach provided a rudimentary sense of justice, deterring violence with the threat of equivalent retribution and limiting it. Over time, as society evolved, these harsh penalties were softened. However, the underlying sentiment of retribution persisted in personal relationships and remains a challenge even to this day.
The Old Testament’s Law, a rudimentary system aimed at maintaining order among a less civilized people, operated on the principle of allowing yet limiting retribution: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Your neighbor killed your cow? You can’t get revenge by killing his wife. You had an altercation with your neighbor who punched you and broke your tooth? You cannot respond by stabbing him in retaliation.
In the Jewish context, while Lex Talionis was a legal standard, some advocated for more mercy and peaceful resolution, understanding that an eye for an eye would make the whole world go blind. For example, the Talmud and Jewish Law writings often discuss the importance of mercy, patience, and forgiveness over harsh judgment. Yeshua’s teachings align with these values, advocating for a higher moral standard emphasizing love, peace, and forgiveness over retribution. This teaching challenged contemporary understandings of justice and introduced a novel approach to dealing with personal offenses, reflecting a deep commitment to peace and reconciliation.
The principle of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” in the Law of Moses served not to encourage revenge but to limit and restrain vengeful human instincts, ensuring that any retaliation was proportionate to the original harm caused. The Law of Moses never claimed to embody the ultimate moral standards of God’s grace, compassion, and forgiveness. Instead, it was more of a temporary measure by God, as reflected in Yeshua’s words, “Moses because of the hardness of your hearts permitted you…” (Matthew 19:8).
The idea here is not that we shouldn’t oppose evil, defend ourselves, or seek justice. Rather, it’s about refraining from taking revenge against those who have wronged us. Some Bible translations chose to translate, “But I tell you, do not revenge against an evil person.” Note that Yeshua did not advise against resisting (or revenging) evil itself but against resisting (or revenging) an “evil person.” In other words, rather than seeking revenge against the individual, it’s better to address the wrongdoing through appropriate channels like the police or a court of law. The focus should be on combating the evil act, not the person who committed it. If your neighbor stole or killed one of your sheep, don’t retaliate by killing one of his flock. Instead, go to the police and the courts and let them do their job.
Rabbi Yeshua challenges the deep-rooted desire for retribution, advocating instead for forgiveness and the release of grudges. He teaches that retaliation only perpetuates a cycle of harm and suffering, obstructing personal and spiritual development. He asserts that the true path to liberation and peace is through forgiving and freeing those who wrong us. This doesn’t mean they won’t face consequences for their actions, but it does mean letting go of your desire for revenge and freeing yourself from negative emotions that can poison your soul.
This approach may seem counterintuitive, often perceived as surrender or weakness, but in the Kingdom of God, it is a powerful strategy for disarming most conflicts and fostering harmony. How else can you turn your enemy into a friend?
Turn the other cheek
“If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” is easier said than done. Mastering nonresistance is a challenging art that demands the ability to master your emotions, but when achieved, it can lead to peace.
To deliver a slap on the right cheek, the striker, assuming right-handed, would typically need to use the back of their right hand, a method considered particularly demeaning. During the Second Temple period, such a gesture was a hallmark of the Roman guards’ mistreatment of those under their authority. Since the Romans were Gentiles, this act carried an additional layer of humiliation for the Jews, which among them were Yeshua’s disciples and their families.
Many Jews, feeling deeply degraded by such an act, would lose their temper and retaliate against the perpetrator, often striking back at the Roman soldier. Such reactions inevitably led to significant repercussions for the individual, their family, and sometimes their entire community.
Yeshua’s disciples are encouraged to endure injustice for the sake of peace. This might entail enduring physical suffering, loss of property, or severe distress. They are called to bear such burdens, reflecting Yeshua’s own actions when enduring suffering and injustice to bring us peace and forgiveness, setting an example for us to emulate.
Yeshua’s emphasis is on internal states of consciousness rather than external actions. Turning the other cheek is not about physical exercise but about an attitude adjustment. His teachings on nonresistance and forgiveness, symbolized through the examples of turning the other cheek, offering the cloak, and going the extra mile, are metaphors for mental and spiritual attitudes. Yeshua encourages shifting from a reactive stance to a proactive, spiritually-aligned approach, where responses are guided by a higher understanding rather than instinctual emotions. Love doesn’t take revenge. Love does not harm others who have wronged us.
This principle of nonresistance and forgiveness is not just a philosophical concept but a practical tool for everyday life. When faced with negativity, whether in the form of aggression, gossip, bitterness, anger, or any form of discord, Yeshua advocates shifting focus to the divine presence within each individual. This shift in perception can have immediate and profound effects on the situation, often leading to a resolution of conflicts and a restoration of harmony.
Furthermore, Yeshua’s teachings extend to the realm of love and compassion, urging us to extend these qualities even to our enemies. Loving those who oppose us, blessing those who curse us, and praying for those who mistreat us are radical concepts that challenge the conventional understanding of justice and fairness. By advocating this approach, Rabbi Yeshua suggests that true spiritual maturity and alignment with divine principles involve transcending personal prejudices and grievances.
Yeshua’s teachings emphasize that forgiveness is superior to seeking revenge. Revenge is characterized by holding onto anger and grudges, which results in two significant consequences. First, according to modern science, it takes a toll on our mental health, with internal bitterness negatively impacting our physical health. Lack of forgiveness can adversely affect our immune system, blood pressure, and overall heart health.
Second, revenge may harm our relationships with others, creating a perpetual cycle of retaliation. In contrast, forgiveness offers liberation from this harmful cycle and possesses the remarkable ability to turn even the most bitter enemies into close friends. When we forgive, we ultimately make the choice to absorb the wrong that was done to us rather than retaliating against it, echoing the words of Yeshua on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, see also 1 Peter 2:23-24).
Forgiveness, undoubtedly one of the most challenging tasks for humans, is not coincidentally the central theme of the Gospel. It was frequently emphasized by Yeshua (e.g., Matthew 18:21-22) and reiterated by the apostles (e.g., Romans 12:17-19). This consistent focus highlights its fundamental importance in Yeshua’s Kingdom.
It’s crucial to recognize that forgiveness isn’t about overlooking wrongdoing or ignoring justice. Law enforcement and authorities exist to assist in achieving fair justice. Yet, on a personal level, pursuing justice should not come at the expense of forgiveness. Justice sought without forgiveness is not truly justice but revenge. It is through forgiveness that we can begin to mend broken relationships and restore harmony, even if the individual who hurt us ends up in prison.
A Christian who refuses to forgive essentially proclaims that they stand apart from the rest of humanity, which is inherently flawed. This attitude suggests they perceive themselves as superior and more righteous than others, insinuating they don’t require forgiveness themselves. Such a viewpoint reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the Gospel.
What is Forgiveness?
It is important to acknowledge that forgiveness does not absolve the one who caused harm of their responsibility. Instead, forgiveness is about choosing kindness in the face of harm. This makes forgiveness one of the most formidable challenges for the human heart. At its core, forgiveness is fundamentally a conscious decision. It begins as a mental process, with emotional acceptance often following only much later. This process can be energy-consuming and demanding. Importantly, forgiveness is not an emotion. It’s rare to feel an innate desire to forgive. Primarily, forgiveness is a deliberate and voluntary choice, a decision made irrespective of fleeting emotions. True forgiveness is hard, and it involves three main elements: compassion, absolving debt, and complete pardon.
For instance, say I borrowed a laptop computer from a friend and accidentally damaged it. If my friend chose to show compassion, it means he decided not to be angry with me and not to let the incident affect our relationship. However, I would still owe him money for the laptop repair.
If my friend also absolves me of the debt, it means he takes care of the repair himself without asking me to reimburse him. It doesn’t mean the repair cost disappears into thin air; my friend still had to pay for the repair out of his pocket on my behalf. He simply took on my debt.
If my friend also fully pardons me, it means he chooses not to hold it against me – even in the future. This means he is willing to lend me the laptop again.
My friend could have shown compassion and forgiven the embarrassment while still demanding payment. He could have also absolved me of the payment but chosen to no longer associate with me. Alternatively, he might have shown compassion, forgiven the embarrassment, absolved the payment, and yet refused to lend me the laptop in the future.
But he is such a good friend that he not only showed compassion and forgave the embarrassment but also absorbed the cost himself, freeing me from the payment. Moreover, he is willing to lend me the laptop again in the future. This exemplifies true and complete forgiveness. It mirrors what God does for us, but also what we are expected to do for others!
God’s Vengeance
When people harshly judge others, it often stems from their own insecurities and a desire to elevate their self-image. This behavior is influenced by various psychological and social factors that drive individuals to compare themselves to others. By highlighting others’ perceived flaws, individuals elevate their self-perception and maintain a sense of superiority. Harsh judgment can also serve as a defense mechanism, helping cope with insecurities or self-doubt. Societal norms and expectations contribute to this tendency, as people seek belonging and validation by conforming to standards and scrutinizing those who deviate. However, this behavior perpetuates negativity and division instead of fostering empathy, understanding, and personal growth. Recognizing the motivations for harsh judgment is crucial for promoting self-awareness and cultivating a more compassionate and inclusive worldview.
A good judge embodies the principles of fairness, compassion, and wisdom, recognizing that their role takes time and extends beyond mere punishment. Rather than seeking to destroy the convict, they strive to restore them to society by focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration. Through a thoughtful approach to sentencing, a good judge carefully considers the unique data and circumstances of each case, balancing the interests of justice with opportunities for personal growth and redemption. By fostering a system that encourages wrongdoers to learn from their mistakes and become better individuals, a good judge ultimately contributes to a safer and more compassionate society.
When we contemplate the concept of God’s vengeance, it is easy for our minds to drift towards sensationalized images of destruction and chaos, as depicted in Hollywood Armageddon movies with excessive bloodshed. This portrayal can create a misleading illusion that taking revenge and inflicting pain upon others is somehow an inherently god-like act. However, it is important to challenge this perception and recognize that the true essence of divinity often lies in empathy, understanding, and forgiveness. In Romans 12:19, the Apostle Paul reminds us that God is the one responsible for exacting revenge, and therefore, we should refrain from seeking it ourselves:
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.
Romans 12:19
Paul teaches that God’s vengeance is expressed through His wrath. But what purpose does God’s wrath serve in regard to revenge? Isaiah 1:24-26 sheds light on this matter:
Therefore the Lord, the Lord Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: ‘Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes and avenge myself on my enemies. I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward, you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.’
Isaiah 1:24-26
When God executes vengeance and unleashes His wrath, He does not seek to destroy, annihilate, or devastate but rather restores and purifies. The intention behind God’s wrath and vengeance is to guide people on the right path, not to condemn them. This is why we should resist the urge to seek revenge and trust God to handle it. Human revenge is often fuelled by emotional rage, whereas divine vengeance aims to restore the transgressor.
God’s ultimate purpose in bringing transgressions to light is not to encourage others to gossip and exact wrathful judgment upon the guilty but rather, through disciplinary measures, to inspire healing and wholeness. As Christians, we are called to reflect the love and mercy of our heavenly Father. In situations where we feel wronged or hurt, we must remember that God’s wisdom, grace, and justice far surpass our own. By relinquishing our desire for revenge, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s grace and allow His healing to work in our lives and the lives of those who have caused us pain. If we retaliate, they will retaliate in an endless cycle of revenge. But if we don’t, God can activate His justice.
However, emotionally, it is very hard not to retaliate. It takes a lot of mental and emotional strength to forgive, really forgive, and trust God’s plan for justice. As we practice forgiveness, we enable God’s grace to work within us, freeing us from the burden of resentment and bitterness. In doing so, we become more like Christ by participating in the divine process of restoration and healing- of ourselves and others.
When understood through the lens of mercy, God’s judgment is a transformative force that combines justice with compassion. Divine Mercy offers hope, redemption, and forgiveness, allowing us to learn from our mistakes and grow. By viewing God’s judgment as an opportunity for spiritual growth, we can better appreciate the nurturing aspect of divine judgment and strive to become more compassionate and spiritually attuned individuals. God’s judgment is not about hurting you but about exposing the truth so the issue can be treated and cured.
Long-suffering and forbearing
The command to hand over one’s coat and shirt and to walk two miles instead of one illustrates the principle of non-retaliation and goes beyond mere compliance. Roman soldiers could force anyone to carry their gear for up to a mile, which could be very frustrating. By “going the extra mile,” Yeshua encourages us to adopt a positive attitude even under negative circumstances. Did your boss ask you to clean the warehouse? Go the extra mile by cleaning the warehouse’s toilet as well.
Back then, a coat was much more than a fashion item; it provided warmth on cold days and protection from the harsh Middle Eastern sun. For the poor, it also doubled as a blanket, offering crucial warmth during cold nights. Love offers things of incredible value, even to those who may not deserve them.
The call to give to those who ask and not refuse those who wish to borrow suggests a generosity that transcends conventional obligations. In contemporary terms, these teachings challenge individuals to respond to unfair situations and demands with generosity and humility, promoting peace over conflict. Instead of reacting defensively or retaliating when wronged, the call is to act generously, even beyond what is expected. This can be applied in personal relationships, workplace dynamics, and broader social interactions, where gracious responses can de-escalate conflicts and build bridges in situations where retaliation might only deepen divisions. Such behavior reflects a deeper commitment to living out principles of compassion and mercy in everyday life.
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1-2
As you journey through life, remember that God’s vengeance serves a much higher purpose than human revenge – one of purification and redemption. Trust in His divine plan and embrace the transformative power of his grace to bring healing, wholeness, and hope to even the most broken people and situations. This is what loving your enemy is all about.
This article is part of the book, “The Kingdom of Yeshua: Christ’s Timeless Wisdom to Revive Your Spiritual Life.”
