A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW     

REVENGE  

Matthew 5:38-42 “You 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.” 

Your sinful Old Adam wants you to “get back” at someone who has done something bad to you. It is driven by the “eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” mentality. If someone hits you then you should hit them harder in return. That is the world’s way! 

Once again, Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount addresses a prevalent sin. Revenge, retaliation, I’m going to hit you harder than you hit me, is a typical sinful human behavior. This is what motivates a father to instruct his young son to “fight back,” “take a stand,” and not be a wimp.   

Jesus’ message in today’s devotional verses is quite radical. Christians do not keep score. Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs comments on Jesus’ message, Christians “don’t do unto others before they do it unto you. “In place of a spirit of grudging recompense and quick revenge, Jesus calls His disciples to lives of reckless generosity and naivete.’ Jesus calls His disciples to the same life He came to live, namely, to serve rather than be served, a life of self-sacrifice. 

Revenge and retaliation are the ways of Satan, the world, and humanities sinful flesh. Patience with those who offend and even hurt you flows out of Jesus’ teaching that you are to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," (Matthew 5:44) and the royal law, “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) Remember, “. . . in all these things we (you) are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (you).” (Romans 8:37)  

Prayer: Lord, put in my heart love for all people, especially for my enemies. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love in Christ is strong and living Binding faithful hearts in one;
Love in Christ is true and giving May His will in us be done. 

Love is patient and forbearing, Clothed in Christ’s humility,
Gentle, selfless, kind and caring, Reaching out in charity.  

Love in Christ abides forever, Fainting not when ills attend;
Love, forgiving and forgiven, Shall endure until life’s end.  (LSB 706)