Matthew 5:38-48 (NIV)
Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[b] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Many claim to be Christians. But being Christlike is something beyond their comprehension. Chaos, divisions, and display of violence because of hate are the headlines of today’s News. Many of those who assert their rights are claiming to have Christ in them. Buti It is just simple to know if you are a True Christian; if you still hate, still cannot forgive, thinking vengeance, and not yet loved those who wronged you, then, you do not know Christ and certainly, you are not Christian, thus sad to say, you remain condemned to experience the wrath of GOD that is to come on Judgement Day.
The first requirement of Jesus Christ to those who want to follow Him, those who want to be a Christian; is to deny his very own self. Luke 9:23 says, “ Jesus said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must DENY THEMSELVES and take up their cross DAILY and follow me.” But how many have practice this instruction? The chaos everywhere is evidence of the lack of understanding of it.
An 'Eye for an Eye' would only make us all blind. Jesus' teaching has been proven to end the war caused by hate. Forgiveness would be the only thing that would bring peace to the world and in our very own hearts. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, an Indian anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist had not employed ‘Eye for an Eye’ but the Nonviolent Resistance to lead the successful campaign for India's independence from British Rule, and in turn, inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. Dr. Martin Luther King also became successful in applying the “Love for Enemies’ principle of our LORD Jesus Christ. He said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Jesus Christ was the very first to have proven that Love is the only one that can conquer all power of darkness. He instructed us and showed us to defeat the hatred this world has inculcated in everyone’s heart and summoned us to replace that hatred into selfless love.
1 Peter 2:18-25 says, “Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are HARSH. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
“Jesus Christ committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” 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. “He himself bore our sins” in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by His wounds, you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
If we are True Christians, we are ready to forgive immediately anytime. Then Peace and Love of Christ will be found in us. This can only be possible if we know how to deny ourselves as Jesus had done. Jesus denied Himself three times in front of Satan who tried to tempt Him to live for Himself and forget His love for humanity. Jesus defeated the power of Satan by denying Himself as the Son of GOD (Matthew 4:6). If pride lured us still, then Satan is the one who has power over us. To defeat Satan is to deny our Ego being the righteous one, and let the humility of Jesus overcome us. We should trust that GOD is the Righteous One who is going to justify us at the end. If we can deny ourselves, then we can deny Satan in our lives. We will be able to defeat the hatred he had instilled in our hearts and instead recourse to love those who wronged us.
GOD’s love is selfless and if this kind of love is in us, GOD is in us. If we do not hold the record of wrongs no matter how big they are, then surely, the Love of GOD is in us (I Corinthians 13:5-6) and we can claim, we are truly Christians. To GOD be all the glory! AMEN
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