In our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to harbor resentment or anger. These emotions can come from something as simple as a harsh word at work or as significant as a deep betrayal by someone close. Yet Jesus, in His famous Sermon on the Mount, calls us to a radical way of living:
“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)
This teaching turns the common understanding of “getting even” or seeking payback on its head. While the Old Testament principle of “eye for an eye” was designed to prevent excessive retaliation, Jesus pushes beyond mere justice and into the realm of forgiveness and mercy.
Reflecting on Forgiveness
Forgiveness can feel unnatural. According to research, many Christians struggle to genuinely forgive those who have wronged them, yet Jesus highlights forgiveness repeatedly. He teaches that the cycle of hate is only broken when we choose to respond with love and mercy:
“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)
Real-life examples—such as Corrie Ten Boom forgiving her Nazi captors or Louis Zamperini showing grace to his wartime tormentors—demonstrate that God’s strength makes forgiveness possible, even in the face of horrific suffering.
Love Beyond Comfort
Jesus then takes His command a step further, telling us not only to avoid retaliation but to actively love our enemies:
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
(Matthew 5:44, NLT)
This kind of love is more than a feeling—it is a choice to bless, do good, and pray for those who harm or oppose us. When we commit to loving our enemies, we become living mirrors of God’s grace in a world that often takes comfort in hostility and revenge.
A Moment to Meditate
- Identify a Hurt
- Think of someone who has wronged or irritated you recently. It might be a small frustration or a deeper wound. What emotions arise when you dwell on this incident?
- Invite God’s Perspective
- Ask God to help you see this person as He does—someone in need of compassion, healing, and grace. Reflect on the ways God has shown mercy to you in your own shortcomings.
- Release the Desire for Revenge
- Consciously let go of any urge to “get even.” Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:39, where He calls us to offer the other cheek rather than strike back.
- Commit to a Loving Action
- Could you bless this person with kind words? Could you help them in a practical way? Choose one small step to demonstrate love instead of hate.
- Reflect on God’s Power
- Recall stories like Corrie Ten Boom and Louis Zamperini. Their willingness to forgive stemmed from the transformation God brought into their hearts. Trust that He can also transform yours.
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
(Romans 12:21, NLT)
Closing Thought
Choosing to respond with forgiveness and love to those who hurt us is one of the most powerful ways we show God’s character. It is not a sign of weakness but of profound spiritual strength. In a world full of hostility, a believer who responds with grace bears testimony to the unconditional love of Jesus. By living out this calling, we break cycles of hatred and invite healing into our own hearts, our relationships, and our communities.
