Go Beyond

Matthew 5: 38-42

Eye for Eye

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ ³⁹ 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. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Are these just suggestions or do they carry the weight of a command?  The latter is correct.  Not easy, for they go against the "what's-in-it-for-me" grain.  We are the ones who have to stretch...go beyond what comes naturally, but when we do, we see amazing results. People's disbelief, gratitude, and inclination to adopt such behavior themselves, to pass on our kindness by being kind to others themselves. With the news filled with shootings, threats and expanding tales of selfishness, it's time to start putting self behind and others first.  We might feel like door mats, but actually we are giants walking in the footsteps of Jesus, who lived this way and gave us the assuring example that it is both possible and necessary.

Bro Rene