Eye for an Eye?

What happens when you put your total trust in God. There is a change that takes place inside you that moves the human nature to desire a better outlook focusing on others rather than the self. There is an overwhelming need to ensure that others are taken care of. This is what we were designed for, being caretakers of creation.

For a long time in the ancient world, human nature had a survivalist attitude that ended up in the deaths of others. Vengeance and retaliation were commonplace. The choice of taking another’s life, possessions, and family is not what God wants for us. That shows a lack of concern for the welfare of others and is ultimately a dangerous path for ourselves. Jesus explained this during His Sermon on the Mount.  

“You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you not to stand up against someone who does you wrong. On the contrary, if someone hits you on the right cheek, let him hit you on the left cheek too! If someone wants to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well! And if a soldier forces you to carry his pack for one mile, carry it for two! When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something from you, lend it to him.

 “You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Love your neighbor — and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Then you will become children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun shine on good and bad people alike, and he sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous alike. What reward do you get if you love only those who love you? Why, even tax-collectors do that! And if you are friendly only to your friends, are you doing anything out of the ordinary? Even the Gentiles do that! Therefore, be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.  Matthew 5:38-48

But I Want to Hit Back

The problem with today’s society is that many of us would be hospitalized if we took the first section literally. We have to understand this from a spiritual point of view as well as physical. This is a different type of a “stand your ground” attitude that is difficult for some to comprehend. The phrase, “take it like a man” comes to mind, or “not stooping to their level”. When someone tries to show superiority through (non-weapon) violence or material demands, they are trying to heal pains of their own (a bully type attitude). There are other ways to heal through love and kindness of heart.

Spiritually this also goes with the words we speak. Words can hurt more than physical altercations. Jesus had talked about what we put into our bodies and comes out of the mouth. What we observe and how we are influenced are not always good, moral, and ethical things. When these influences take us over, we are bound to say hurtful things. We must have good judgement in our speech and not let the world influence our thinking.  

How can we move forward as the Body of Christ if the limbs keep falling away due to succumbing to unhealthy and sinful behaviors? Our defense for these influences is found Scripture we speak which comes from the heart where the Holy Spirit guides us. If we use anger and frustration with loud vocals then are we not just as bad as the one who caused us to behave that way? Also, for all generations: Don’t just gather in a circle and watch someone get beat up. Take charge of the situation by getting the one who started it out of the equation or stand in front of the one being bullied. There is greater power in numbers and spirit than a fist.

When confronted, the person obviously thinks he or she needs something of yours more than you. We are not to love material things that are temporary. God will provide you with what you gave in a much better way as long as you trust in His Word, Mercy, and Grace. In all this we are to be examples of God’s Love, Grace, and Mercy by being His light in this world.

I Really Hate This Person 

First off we must understand that there are two types of hate. There is rational and irrational hatred. There is the hate that may denote intense hostility, sustained ill will often accompanied by malice. This kind of hate could become a consuming emotion that seeks to bring harm to the object of such hate. The other is a strong dislike but without any intent to bring harm.

Biblically, hate is a descriptive of levels of love. We are to love one another but our love for God should outweigh our selfish desires to put family above God. As followers of Christ we are to First seek the Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). By loving God above all things it is easier to build deeper relationships with family and friends. Jesus tells us to love our enemies but not as much as our family and twice or more less than our love and devotion to God.

Are we allowed to hate? Good question. The Psalmist gives this advice, O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked Psalm 97:10. This verse tells us to dislike circumstances and persons that are or can cause evil things to happen. This dislike is shown in our avoidance of such events or persons. We are told not to make a brother stumble nor be around another who may make you stumble. The more we avoid evil things we persevere and are preserved by God.

 Strength From Weakness

Jesus taught this particular lesson to remind us that we should fully trust and depend on God for the provisions for survival and guidance through all situations of life. We show strength and courage through standing firm and our acts of kindness. The stronger person is not always the one who shows force. The stronger person does not react negatively in response to someone else’s negative actions or words. Suffer for just a little while but do not let the person get under your skin. I know it is hard but in the scheme of things, the individual may turn around when he or she sees the goodness of God shining through you. Remember, the choices we make are determining factors in our life after we leave this world.

I know it isn’t easy and our human nature wants to lash out but don’t. Seek the peaceful way of handling things. There may still be stress but there will be relaxing later. In truth, we are spiritual beings just here for a temporary time to learn about life. Choose your battles wisely and do not fall victim to aggravation. That leads to anger and sin when left unchecked.

In God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace,

Rob, Servant of God