You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you that you resist not evil, but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue you at the law and take away your coat, let him have it. And if he sue you again, let him have your cloak also. And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him a mile, and whoever shall compel you to go with him two, you shall go with him two. Give to him that asks of you; and from him that would borrow of you, turn not away. (Matthew 5:38-42)
In the words of Paul, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)
Is it possible that Christ meant what he said? Are we truly to not resist evil? To turn the other cheek? To give to them who ask and to never turn someone down when they want to borrow from us? To even love our enemies?
But I say unto you who hear my words, love your enemies, do good to them who hate you, bless them who curse you, and pray for them who falsely accuse you and persecute you. And unto him who smites you on the cheek, offer also the other. Or in other words, it is better to offer the other than to revile again. And he who takes away your cloak, forbid not to take your coat also, for it is better that you suffer your enemy to take these things than to contend with him. Truly I say unto you, your Heavenly Father, who sees in secret, shall bring that wicked one into judgment. Therefore, give to every man who asks of you, and of him who takes away your goods, ask them not again. (Luke 6:31-38)
Christ teaches that it is better to endure being smitten than to revile and better to suffer your enemy to take your coat and cloak than to contend with them. Do you believe it? Do you live it?
What does it mean to revile? What does it mean to contend? Do you revile or contend with those who smite you or take your goods? Do you trust that God will bring your enemy to judgment?
In truth I tell you: Anyone who welcomes the spirit of conflict doesn't follow Me, but is following the accuser, who's the father of conflict. He incites people to angrily fight with each other. But this is My doctrine, everything like that should end.
Those who welcome the spirit of conflict are not following Christ. Instead, they're following Satan.
So what about you? Do you believe Christ's words written here? Do you live them?
