Give Love

"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.

- When someone wrongs us, we often want to right that wrong by getting even. This type of justice is perhaps most famously expressed in the Code of Hammurabi, an ancient Babylonian legal code which states that if a person commits an offense, the same should be done back to him. The "eye for an eye" rule seemingly placates the angry voice inside of us that calls for justice on our own terms. But Jesus teaches that this is not the way Christians are to act. Followers of Christ are to refrain from retaliation and instead are to be merciful and generous even to those who do us wrong.

Like God

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what rewards will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

- It is easy to love those who are good to you or those for whom you have a natural affinity. But love is truly tested when we extend it to those we cannot stand or those who persecute and harm us. As children of God, we are called to love others as He loves us. God is love (1 John 4:8), and He extends His love to all of creation, even in the way that He causes the sun and rain to shine and fall on everyone. This is God's provision for all people, whether they love or hate Him; His blessings are not just for His "neighbors." And as His children, we are also called to live by His standards--to be perfect as He is perfect.