Many of us have experienced being wronged or insulted. Our gut reaction is often to retaliate or demand our “pound of flesh.” Yet, in Matthew 5:38–48, Jesus reveals a radical response to hostility—one that not only opposes our natural impulses but also reshapes our hearts and our relationships:
“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.”
(Matthew 5:38–39, NLT)
Far from dismissing justice, Jesus transcends it, urging a lifestyle of humility, mercy, and even love for those who dislike or oppose us.
Context of “Eye for an Eye”
The Old Testament principle of “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” aimed to ensure proportional justice—no more than what was deserved. But by the time of Jesus, some were using this rule to justify personal revenge. Here, Jesus pushes us beyond mere fairness to a self-giving love that restores and reconciles.
John Stott famously described this section of the Sermon on the Mount as “the most admired and the most hated.” It’s admired for its profound vision of love but hated for how much it demands of us.
The High Importance of Forgiveness
Jesus frequently brings up the topic of forgiveness. He teaches His disciples to forgive when they pray, and He expands on the concept in parables—such as Matthew 18:21–35, where He instructs Peter to forgive not just seven times but “seventy times seven.”
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
(Colossians 3:13, NLT)
Barna research reveals that 1 in 4 Christians struggle to forgive someone. Yet the call to forgive is central to our faith because God has forgiven us through Jesus.
Stories of Radical Forgiveness
- Corrie Ten Boom
A Christian who hid Jewish families during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Corrie Ten Boom was sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp. Despite horrific treatment that led to the death of her sister, she survived. After the war, Corrie chose to forgive her captors. Her example vividly illustrates Jesus’ teaching on grace. - Louis Zamperini
An Olympian and WWII bombardier, Louis Zamperini endured brutal treatment in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, particularly at the hands of a guard nicknamed “The Bird.” After the war, Zamperini was gripped by hatred and trauma. However, after embracing faith at a 1949 Billy Graham crusade, he forgave his tormentors. He even traveled to Japan to extend forgiveness in person, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s love.
These stories remind us that forgiveness is not only possible—it is profoundly liberating. Letting go of revenge can heal wounds that vengeance would only deepen.
“Love Your Enemies”: A Shocking Command
Jesus goes one step further than “do not retaliate” by insisting:
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
(Matthew 5:44, NLT)
In the culture of His day, the idea of “loving your enemies” was completely counterintuitive. Jews saw Roman occupiers, Samaritans, and Gentiles as adversaries. Yet Jesus calls them—and us—to love those who oppose or belittle us.
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
(Romans 12:21, NLT)
Everyday Hatreds and Annoyances
Hate doesn’t always come in extreme forms of persecution. Sometimes it’s present in petty annoyances or modern frustrations. Consider the “Top 8 Things People Hate the Most” list:
- Poor Internet Connectivity
- Loud Chewing
- Traffic Jams
- Slow Walkers in Crowded Areas
- Spam Calls and Emails
- Running Out of Toilet Paper
- Cars Parked on Two Spots
- Being Put on Hold
While these may not be life-or-death situations, they reflect how easily anger or frustration arises. At times, our annoyance morphs into deep dislike—if we’re not careful.
Three Ways to Respond with Love
From Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27, we see three concrete actions:
- Bless Them
- To “bless” someone means to speak well of them. Even if they mock or criticize you, choosing words of grace helps you avoid bitterness.
- This doesn’t excuse their behavior; rather, it guards your heart against hatred.
- Do Good to Them
- If your adversary is in need, meet the need. Share resources, offer help, or show kindness in unexpected ways.
- “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink…”
(Romans 12:20, NLT) - Such a move can diffuse tension and may open a pathway for genuine reconciliation.
- Pray for Them
- Even though we’re not offering a written prayer here, Jesus taught that lifting someone before God shifts our focus from anger to compassion.
- As we do, our own hearts begin to soften, and bitterness loses its hold.
