Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Monday, 18th of June 2018

Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. 
Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow." 


Source: https://dailygospel.org/M/AM/

Analysis

This passage is a short but very important passage. As it relates to the core teachings of Christianity, that is loving God and your neighbors. Here though, we are also taught to love our enemies, and Jesus tells us how to respond towards evil. First, Jesus said the old message that is of vengeance and using evil to fight evil, eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth. Then He delivers the true message, that is to not fight those who are evil, rather serve them and love them, with various scenarios, such as turning the other cheek, handing the cloak as well when asked for the tunic, and walking for two miles when asked one mile. Of course, this doesn't mean we shouldn't protect ourselves, so let's go over it.

Jesus wishes to say how we should respond towards evil and evil people. People used to respond with vengeance, and fight evil with evil. That is not how to solve the problem though, it merely makes it worse, one does not fight fire with fire do they? Instead, we should respond with love and kindness, and show the evil ones that we are better than them. As such, instead of fighting back, we show them that we don't hate them, we love them. As evil people are merely people who lack in love, or have problems, as such it is our responsibility to at least not make it worse for them, and if we could, help them. And to do that, we must respond with love, kindness, and humility. I believe that is all I have to say, have a nice day and see you tomorrow.

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