An Eye for an Eye (Matthew 5:38-42)

“An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” is a good law when used rightly. It is not meant for personal vengeance, but for civil punishment. The punishment must fit the crime. Yet, Christians must not abuse this law on a personal level. We must have a giving and gracious spirit toward others. Jesus is not teaching to not call the police when we need to. Of course He is not teaching us to do things that go against the rest of the Bible or that are foolish. But He is teaching about not returning insult for insult, and even receiving more. We do not retaliate and we treat people better than they deserve. That is how God has treated us, and if we are God’s children that is how we must treat others.