Grace and Love Trumps all

 DEVOTION

                                                    THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

GRACE AND LOVE TRUMPS ALL

 

Matt 5:38-42

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 someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

NIV

This is not an easy passage, or rather teaching of Jesus to understand. It is true that the law that can be found in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy was about justice served by the judges, or magistrates in legal matters among the people. Jesus did not repeal this law; he did not say we should forgo all legal matters that require justice for wrongdoing. Although, there is and has been, arguments over this law of an eye for and eye, would condones capital punishment. Nevertheless, what Jesus did was to take this concept to the personal interactions of people. Grace and love always trump revenge. However, Jesus was not saying that if someone came into our home and started committing violence against our family, that we do not have the right of self-defense. What Jesus says is that if we are offended, turn the other cheek. Revenge is never right, except in the cast the law of the land has been broken, then the courts can seek justice, but that is not to be revengeful justice, but merely applying the law. On personal encounters, we need to see the truth of Christ’s words. Turn the other cheek simply means we do not seek revenge because someone offended us, hurt our feelings, said something about us that was not true, or whatever else we think hurt us emotionally. This idea about the tunic and walking the extra distant is all about living by grace and love rather then about living self-centered. This even extends to the issue of giving to those who ask and not turning away from the borrower. This may be difficult in the culture in which we live. It seems money is at the core of self-preservation. It is somewhat a normal attitude and behavior to horde our money for some future need of ours. It is also not so normal for us to ask someone for money, except, of course, most politicians who always ask for our money. But Jesus was again speaking to the personal interactions within the church. Surely churches do not horde money for some future use, that would seem counter to trusting in God, which a church certainly would seem should promote trusting in God. Most churches are giving churches, using funds to both promote the gospel and helping those in need.  Still, on even a more personal note, we need to be open to ask and being asked, and open to receiving as well as giving. Again, this is about living in grace and love. This is living as someone who loves the Lord and does what is right in his sight. Grace and love always trump selfishness, or self-centeredness.