Turn the other eye

38“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’^h 39But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.  (Matthew 5:38-39)

Thoughts: Jesus takes away our thirst for revenge- even if it is a just and deserved revenge.  This command was really to establish equitable justice.  It is not a life for an eye, or a head for a tooth.  But justice can easily turn into never-ending hatred and revenge.  As one person said, if we followed this the world would be blind and toothless.  But we are able to turn the other cheek because we know that the Great judge sees and holds to account everyone.  We do not get away with murder-- or anything else for that matter.  God sees, and so we know that evil will be held accountable.  God lives- so evil will not win.  So Jesus could die on the cross without complaint aware that God would raise Him from the dead.  We do not need to panic, this world is not all there is.  

Prayer: Lord, for those who do not like me, give me grace to turn the other cheek.  You be my ever-sure defense and my true source of justice.