ou 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.
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 reward 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?
-Matthew 5:38-47
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beautiful. thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteI used to read "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" as meaning He causes both good and bad for the evil and the good, the righteous and the unrighteous. Then I thought a little about the climate in Israel. I imagine both sun *and* rain were considered good. Totally changes the meaning of the verse for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts on the verses, Brent. I think I've always seen it in the good and bad for both the evil and good... but I like where you've gone to with the second interpretation. Will chew on that for a bit.
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