Retaliation
Matthew 5:39 “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
But I say... Three Christian Principles:
1. Do not retaliate (Mat. 5:39; Rom. 12:14).
2. Do more than required (Mat. 5:40-41).
3. Be kind and generous (Mat. 5:42).
“That ye resist... Like (verse 38), this deals only with matters of personal retaliation, not criminal offenses or acts of military aggression. Jesus applied this principle of non-retaliation to affronts against one’s dignity (verse 39), lawsuits to gain one’s personal assets (verse 40), infringements on one’s liberty (verse 41), and violations of property rights (verse 42). He was calling for a full surrender of all personal rights.
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19).
We do not need to take vengeance. The Lord will take care of it for us. If we will let Him handle it for us, it will heap coals of fire on their heads. Vengeance is a never ending cycle. Kill them with kindness; it hurts worse.
When wronged by being struck on a cheek, or sued for his tunic (undergarment; a cloak was the outer garment), or forced to travel with someone a mile, he would not strike back, demand repayment, or refuse to comply.
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