RPG Adults
THE LAW OF NON-RETALIATION
MONDAY, MAY 19
Matthew 5:38-48
Romans 12:17-21
“…An eye for an eye,
and a tooth for a tooth.”
THE LAW OF NON-RETALIATION
The biblical law of retaliation (lex talionis) — “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” (Exod 21:24-25; Deut 19:21) — was given to the judges of Israel for the equitable execution of justice. It was meant for the civil courts to apply. But the Pharisees took it as a licence for personal vendettas (cf. Lev 19:18; Prov 20:22, 24:29).
Jesus here taught the law of non-retaliation for injuries inflicted on, and wrongs done against us by our enemies. In other words, we are to love our enemies. The Pharisees taught the people to love their friends, and hate their enemies. Jesus reminded them that Moses had taught them to love and not hate their enemies (see Exod 23:4-5; Lev 19:33-34). Jesus affirmed the Law of Moses, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven… Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful… Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Paul restated Jesus’ law of love like this: “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom 13:10).
Love will not lead one to judge others with a holier-than-thou attitude. Jesus said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” For sure Jesus was not against judging per se for He Himself judged the Pharisees and called them “hypocrites.” He is against the type of judging that is self-righteous and merciless. He is against the judgmental “holier-than-thou” attitude. To judge righteously, one must first examine oneself, repent of one’s own sins before attempting to judge others and correct their sins. We are to judge others righteously and not hypocritically. By so teaching, Jesus shows Himself to be the perfect Judge who fulfils the judicial laws.
THOUGHT: Return good for evil.
PRAYER: Father, help me to do good not only to my friends but also to my enemies.