“An eye for an eye” has become a popular refrain amongst those eager to see swift justice on those who commit horrible crimes. It may surprise the reader, however, that its original purpose was to limit retribution, rather than encourage it. God allowed for justice, but it was not to go beyond the wrong that was done. For instance, if a man murdered another man, his life was required, but not the lives of the rest of his family and all his earthly possessions.
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:38-48
Some ancient laws required a man’s hand to be chopped off if he stole. Proverbs 6:30-31 reminded people of God’s mercy when a man stole, especially when he was hungry. God’s punishment only required that he restore what was stolen seven times over. How would that happen if he did not have the money to pay in the beginning? Most likely, the one whose goods he stole would have to give the man an opportunity to work. This might allow the man to learn a skill, which would then better his life, instead of making his life more difficult. This is the kind of mercy God shows in His correction!
Once again, God’s Kingdom does not destroy enemies. Rather, it invites enemies to the table to “taste and see” the goodness of God. The life of a believer stands out because of his mercy balanced with truth. Mercy never ignores the slights or persecution of others. Instead, it acknowledges the hurt while responding with a love that could only reflect its source, Jesus.
When Jesus called for his followers to love, bless, and pray for enemies, He challenged them to plant seeds that would bring life from the worst situations life offers. Just as every true disciple of Jesus knows, not one of them would sit at Jesus’ table if He had not offered love for hatred, blessing for cursing, and prayer for persecution. His life upended human judgement by making mercy the true standard.
When God’s people find resistance to what used to be considered a moral and ethical norm, anger and outrage are not called for in Scripture. Though that is a human response, it is not a Biblical response. As we near the anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s murder, we would do well to remember that God is the most Righteous Judge humans could ever hope to stand before. Thankfully, he offers mercy, though it will never erase the consequences He deems best.
We are free to love and show mercy, even to those who blaspheme God’s name and persecute His people. God knows exactly what will usher them to sit at the table with the rest of those who were formerly known as His enemies. Love, bless, pray–these are His standards for those on the path to God’s Kingdom.
His Song in the Night 