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 someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. -Mat. 5:38-42 NIVThose are very hard words to live by! I think that is why an easier way is so attractive. I don't think the passage is just talking about not taking revenge though. Jesus says to "not resist an evil person." I also think there is plenty of other Scripture that backs up that conclusion:
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly -1 Peter 2:23 NIVJesus himself left us a powerful example. He had the disposal of all heaven yet didn't even so much as utter a threat. I think it is the NAV that says "He was reviled but did not revile back" (or something close to that) However I don't think this should ever be mistaken for weakness or pacifism. Jesus did defend his teaching from the Pharisees and teachers of the Law, he also used violence when cleansing the Temple. I think the key is that we are not to defend ourselves but we are to defend others! I would use whatever actions necessary to defend my family against someone causing them harm and it would be immoral for me not to. I had another friend describe himself as a personal pacifist. I may not completely agree with his conclusion but I think that is a good way to describe it. I will not defend myself but I will defend the defenseless.
I could go on and discuss "Just War" philosophy etc... but I think I will leave it with one last thing. I talked about this with my parents and my Mom had a piercing point. Basically she said why are we even worrying about a violent situation which for most of us rarely if ever happens when we can't even let someone insult or slight us in some small way without retaliating or defending ourselves. "...Why not rather be wronged?..." -I Cor 5:7
4 comments:
you dog... Hah. I am the one. I'm coming out of the closet. Surely everyone knew it had to be me, I'm the heretic of the group... Well, I guess you bested me there. I will do some rethinking on the passage. I still say it's about revenge, because of the OT verses that Jesus is making them rethink. The question that I have been struggling with is whether you can truly seperate yourself from taking revenge while defending yourelf. I'm afraid that Jesus' response, as you so aptly describe, says "no". "Do not resist an evil man". That certainl is a toughy. Well, I better go back to sleep. I will keep thinking on it.
personal pacifist? that's good. that's me! i've always said i'd rather be shot than shoot another living being---now i have a term for it. (maybe it's my mennonite blood)
good stuff here. it's actually something i've been wresting, too. i agree with your mom; the more common situations are so painful to my spirit. mainly because if we focus on the random acts/revenge, the more common "right to defend" becomes less convicting. (in the news, scandal trumps walking away any day...but which should occur more often? which should be foremost in our minds?)
(i'll let you know when i get my newest shadowbox completed. i got the idea for it directly from these verses/ideas.)
Kent, I wasn't trying to "best" you(I picture someone saying "foiled again!" after we pull off the monster mask to revel it was Mr. Jenkins the carnival owner the whole time, "and I would gotten away with it if it wasn't for you medling kids". Then we drive off in the Mystery Machine in search of other adventures.) I just wanted to spark a honest discussion on the subject b/c I think it is an idea that we struggle with as Christians.
Melanie, yeah I think sometimes we worry about big lofty problems/ideas when we haven't even figured out the little things yet like how to love our neighbor. I know I do.
Luke 22:36 (NIV)
36He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.
Jesus said this to Peter as they were going up the Mount of Olives to pray before Jesus' arrest. Why did he tell Peter this when just hours later he rebuked him for using the sword?
By the way, I like the idea of a blog for spiritual discussion.
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