Matthew 5:38-42

Matthew 5:38-42 NIV

“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.

Of all the teachings in the Sermon on The Mount, many find Jesus' teaching here to be unconscionable. Exposed to a steady diet of violence in entertainment, everybody knows that only way to fight violence is with violence. "A strong defence is a stronger offence. Put the hurt on your enemies and they will back down. Stand up to a bully and they will find someone else to pick on." These are the things our culture teaches. American military efforts, while concerned with just treatment of enemies and especially the protection of the civilian population, nonetheless exists to slap the offender in the cheek. Our government has at times turned the other cheek, but depending on who's in office that consideration is not often considered. To not do anything in response to an attack on our sovereignty sends a message of weakness, or so we are led to believe.

Jesus offers a different response. It seems naive and asking for more abuse. Jesus would say that the way of His disciples is the way of the kingdom of heaven. Do you think there will be war and fighting in heaven? If we want an end to war, then our methods to reach such a goal ought to reflect that end. Our means should be consistent with the values of the future we are working toward.

Jesus knows that to turn the other cheek keeps violence from elevating. Except in the case of profound evil, many perpetrators will cool their anger and forcefulness when meet with a compassionate level headed response. There are many stories of the success of nonviolent approaches to injustice. Martin Luther King Jr. and his civil rights methods is America's great history lesson. He took his ideas from Ghandi. Both men gave their lives for the liberation of their people. Both won victory through a dedication to nonviolent response to brutality. Integrity, compassion, courage, righteousness, truth, faith and love are weapons of the kingdom solider.

How do we ween ourselves away from the violence model of the world and live into the compassion model of Jesus? We first must acknowledge that, while violence may bring short term gain, it ends up doing more harm and creates more enemies. If we want a better world, we must sacrifice for it. If you want a better world you must be ready to suffer as you labor to that end.

If someone steals from me, do I pursue them if I can? It is likely that I would, but might I ask what does the offender's life look like? What has driven them to steal or do violence? How might their needs give me an opportunity to minister in the love of God? Am I free enough from my worldly possessions to give them away freely? Do I acknowledge that God's love and His kingdom are all that is worth anything?

Matthew 6:33 NIV

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 12:15, 32-34 NIV

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

When I am convinced that the Kingdom of Love is worth anything and everything I am and possess, then I will be free to be a good steward of what God has entrusted to me. Then I can freely give to the one who steals from me, begs from me, or does me harm. When the riches promised in heaven outshine the things of this world, then I will be free to give of myself and my possessions with confidence that every good deed is laying up for me heavenly treasures that never rust, fade or wear. Only when I am convinced that the promises of God are true, will I be able to extend the kind of gracious generosity portrayed in Jesus' teaching.

It is when we receive the foretaste of the riches of God's grace through the Spirit, that we understand what real treasures await the faithful. When the blessings of heaven touch our hearts, we are in a better place to open our hearts and our hands toward others. But don't let a spiritual experience keep you waiting to do as Jesus commands. Practice this compassionate response to violence and injustice. You'll find that spiritual treasures are waiting on you to discover them in those you serve.