Breaking the Cycle of Payback Vengeance

Church Family:
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:38-42 pierce our daily lives with countercultural clarity: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye.’ But I tell you, do not resist the one who is evil... If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” In our world of quick comebacks and vengefulness, whether at work, on Highway 17, on social media, or in family conflicts, we often twist God’s holy law like the Pharisees did, dragging civil law into our own personal relationship quarrels and disputes. In doing so, we damage our testimony of being ruled by King Jesus in His kingdom.

The “eye for an eye” rule found in Exodus 21 and Leviticus 24 was not intended to encourage personal grudges. Seeking revenge by applying this principle only makes situations worse, and ultimately, if taken literally, everyone would be left with no eyeballs. The guideline was designed to help judges balance justice, ensuring punishments matched crimes without going too far, such as receiving compensation for a lost ox instead of demanding strict retribution. Jesus does not eliminate justice; He frees us from misusing it. That “right cheek” slap? In His day, it gestured a backhanded insult to your dignity, not an actual physical threat upon your life or someone else’s you are called to defend. Jesus calls us to receive mockery with grace, just as He endured sneers, spit, and the cross’s terrors, silently entrusting Himself to the Father who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).

Think of the sting when a coworker belittles your faith, a driver cuts you off with hand gestures, or a loved one wounds you with words. Our fleshly instinct screams, “Fight back!” But Jesus calls us to freedom: release the prideful response, refuse revenge, reflect His meekness. This isn’t a call to spineless doormat living. Even so, we must defend the vulnerable, like a child or neighbor under threat, and stand against evil, as Jesus did when flipping temple tables or Paul did when confronting sin within the Church. Celebrate just courts that bear the sword against wrongdoers (Romans 13:1-4). Jesus’ words target our own hearts. We are called to renounce personal payback or retaliation when our ego is at stake.

Picture it unfolding today. Someone sues for your “shirt,” that basic layer you owe after losing fair and square? Jesus calls you to hand over your “coat” too (5:40), the outer wrap no law could touch (Exodus 22:26-27). Jesus is calling us to a sacrificial love beyond the minimum expected, transforming enemies into opportunities for gospel witness. Or when a demanding boss “forces” you one mile, like extra hours or an unfair errand, well then go two, and double it joyfully (5:41). Remember Simon of Cyrene, forced to carry Jesus’ cross. What if your extra mile opens a door for kindness and conversation during oppression?

And when someone begs or borrows (5:42)? Open your hand with discerning love. Do not subsidize laziness (2 Thessalonians 3:10) or some sort of habitual life-dominating sin, but meet the true need: hospitality for the neglected neighbor, a loan to the struggling friend. Let love set the boundary: that which builds them toward Christ, not what indulges harm. Paul echoes this: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

This kind of living is impossible apart from the Christ’s Spirit living in us. Jesus, who perfectly bore every insult for your forgiveness, now dwells in you by His Spirit. When resentment boils at that snide comment or unfair slight, pause, pray for your “enemy,” absorb the wrong, and watch God defend your honor. One step today: choose grace over retaliation. Feel His strength increase; watch for opportunities and see lives change. Let us actively embody these values together and extend them to one another.

See you Sunday, with nothing but grace: Steve