Jesus opens up by using scripture about a eye for an eye:
“eye for an eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot…” (Exodus 21:24)
“fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury.” (Leviticus 24:20)
“Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Deuteronomy 19:21)
Jesus, as he has been doing, takes it further. He says if someone slaps you on the cheek, turn to them your other cheek. If someone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give them your coat as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two. This seems like the complete opposite of what the law has said…
Then Jesus says if someone asks for something, give it to them. Also, if someone asks to borrow something, do not ignore them.
So what does all of this mean? Jesus is saying that we are to meet the act of anger, envy, and pride with love. Love through resistance, love through generosity, and love through obedience. It goes back to the oaths as well…we are not above another…we are all equal and God’s eyes. Knowing this…we have no right to seek revenge for ourselves…only God can do that.
This might be one of the most difficult lessons for Christians to grasp…why? Because it requires us to relinquish control. If we allow God to lead our lives, we won’t be focused on revenge and retaliation…but only in loving God and loving others.
A Journey With Jesus 