Are you tired of living in a world where revenge seems to be the answer to every wrong? It’s exhausting, isn’t it?
We see it all around us—people holding grudges, seeking payback, and looking for ways to settle the score. It leaves us asking, “Isn’t there a better way?”
Well, there is. Jesus offers a completely different approach to life—one that goes against the grain of our human instincts. His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount show us a way of living that’s about peace, forgiveness, and letting go of retaliation.
It’s not easy, but it’s a path that leads to true inner peace.
Breaking Down Matthew 5:38–39
Let’s start by looking at what Jesus says in Matthew 5:38-39:
“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Now, this is one of those verses that makes you pause. What exactly does Jesus mean here?
At first glance, it seems like He’s asking us to be passive, to let people walk all over us. But that’s not what He’s saying at all.
Jesus is challenging the idea of retaliation—the mindset that if someone wrongs us, we’re justified in getting back at them. He’s turning this notion on its head and showing us a radically different way to live.
“An Eye for an Eye”
In verse 38, Jesus references an Old Testament law:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’”
This was a principle from the Mosaic Law, and it was meant to govern public justice. The idea was that the punishment should fit the crime—no more, no less. If someone caused harm, they were to face consequences that matched their wrongdoing.
It wasn’t about personal revenge; it was about maintaining fairness in the justice system.
For example, if someone committed murder, the law required that they face the death penalty. If they injured someone, the punishment was proportionate to the harm done.
This principle was important because it ensured that punishments didn’t go overboard, but it also made sure they weren’t too lenient.
Twisting the Law for Personal Revenge
However, over time, the scribes and Pharisees twisted this law. They started applying it to personal relationships, interpreting it as permission for revenge.
They thought that if someone wronged them, they had every right to strike back. It was no longer about public justice; it was about personal vendettas.
This interpretation led to a culture of revenge and spite. People weren’t just seeking justice—they were looking for ways to get even, to hit back when they were hurt.
This twisted version of the law turned into a justification for malice and bitterness, which is exactly what Jesus was addressing.
Jesus’ Radical Call to Forgiveness
Jesus comes along and says, “No, that’s not how it’s supposed to be.” In the Christian life, there’s no place for revenge.
There’s no room for spite or getting even. When someone wrongs us, Jesus doesn’t tell us to strike back—He tells us to turn the other cheek.
That’s a tough pill to swallow, right? Everything in our culture screams for justice—instant justice, personal justice.
But Jesus calls us to something higher. He’s not saying we should be passive or allow injustice to happen, but He’s asking us to respond in a way that reflects the grace and mercy we’ve been given.
Letting Go of the Need for Retaliation
So what does it look like to live this out? It starts with a heart change.
When someone wrongs us, our first instinct is often to fight back or defend ourselves. But Jesus asks us to take a step back and let go of the need to retaliate.
This doesn’t mean we’re supposed to allow abuse or injustice to continue unchecked. Protecting ourselves and others from harm is important.
But when it comes to personal offenses—when someone insults us, hurts our pride, or takes advantage of us—Jesus invites us to respond with patience and grace instead of anger and revenge.
True Righteousness: Living Above the World’s Standards
The world teaches us that it’s only fair to give back what we’ve been given. If someone hurts you, hurt them back.
But Jesus teaches a different kind of righteousness. He tells us to rise above the world’s standards and reflect God’s love, even in difficult situations.
Think about how freeing that can be. When we let go of the need for revenge, we free ourselves from the bitterness and anger that come with it. Instead of holding onto resentment, we can live with peace, knowing that God sees every wrong and He will bring justice in His time.
Living this way requires us to trust God deeply. It means believing that He’s in control and that we don’t have to fight every battle on our own. When we release our need for revenge, we’re placing our faith in God’s justice instead of taking matters into our own hands.
Treating Others with Grace and Generosity
Ultimately, Jesus is calling us to a life marked by grace, generosity, and kindness—even toward those who wrong us.
He’s asking us to treat others the way we would want to be treated, to extend mercy where it’s not deserved, and to leave revenge behind.
It’s not about standing up for our rights at all costs. It’s about reflecting the heart of God in our interactions with others. It’s about being people who forgive, who show kindness in the face of offense, and who trust that God will take care of the rest.
So, the next time someone wrongs you, remember Jesus’ words. Turn the other cheek. Choose grace over retaliation.
Devotion on Matthew 5:33-34 found here.
For Deeper Insights on the Sermon on the Mount: If you’re searching for an accessible, powerful commentary, I highly recommend The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7 by James Montgomery Boice. This book breaks down Jesus’ teachings with clarity and depth, guiding readers to not only understand but also live out these transformative truths. Explore more about this exceptional commentary here.
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