The Spirit of Non-Retaliation

By Glen Elliott       In one of several statements designed to draw a contrast between His own teachings and what the people had heard from the Law of Moses, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘And eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you” (Mt. 5:38-42). The overtone of this section of the Sermon on the Mount has been rightly called “the spirit of non-retaliation.”     “An eye or an eye and a tooth for a tooth” is a phrase often quoted even by those who know very little of the Bible. The statement is found three times in the Old Testament. Once as a penalty for causing a miscarriage (Ex. 21:24). Another time in reference to injuring a neighbor (Lev. 24:20). And, finally, as a consequence for bearing false testimony in a court of law (Dt. 19:21). In all three cases, the penalty was to be carried out after judicial proceedings.     Several important details are overlooked when a Christian decides to live by this philosophy. First, the “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” philosophy is part of the Law of Moses, a law that is no longer in force; but has been nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14). Getting even with our enemies under the guise of following God’s word is a misconceived idea. We cannot pick and choose from the Old Testament those things we would like to have included in the New Testament (Jas. 2:10; Gal. 5:4).     A second problem associated with living by an “eye for an eye” code of conduct is that it overlooks the purpose behind the law in the first place. The law was in place for the purpose of providing an equitable system of judicial justice. It was designed to prevent escalation of violence, hatred, and vigilante justice.     On a personal level, Jesus went on to cite several examples of how this principle of non-retaliation works -- examples that relate to such things as turning the other cheek and being asked to go the second mile. While following Jesus is a deeper, richer life; it is often a more challenging life as well.

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/