“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”
–Matthew 5:38-41 NIV
When was the last time you were hurt by someone? Was their harm intentional or not intentional? Do you still hold that hurt against that person? Under Old Testament law, people had to pay for every harm they did, especially if it was intentional.
“But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.”
-Exodus 21:23-25 NIV
Exodus 21:23-25 reminds us of the emphasis on justice in the Old Testament. But, when Christ came a lot of things changed. He came to pay the penalty for all of the offenses ever made. When Jesus came, justice was replaced with mercy. Bitterness was replaced with joy. Bondage was replaced with freedom. But we can’t find freedom if we don’t let go of the bitterness that binds us. We need to forgive that person, regardless if their harm was intentional or not intentional. “It has been said that bitterness is a pill we swallow, hoping someone else will die.” (Nortker, 3-Minute Devotionals For Women, p.333) But, the reality is that we are the ones, that bitterness destroys. While those, who hurt us, go on living happily and free of the pain they inflicted on us. But, mercy changes everything.
Jesus Christ set the ultimate example of mercy. By sacrificing His life on the cross for us and atoning our sins, He painted the most beautiful picture of mercy that exists. As they tortured Him on the cross, “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”…”- Luke 23:34 NIV We need to forgive that person, regardless if their harm was not intentional or intentional. But, Jesus went one step further. He loved us. He loved the ones, whose sins nailed Him to the cross. He said,“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” –Matthew 5:44 NIV The point is mercy in the form of forgiveness and love changes everything. It gives us freedom from the pain our enemies/haters/abusers/accusers inflicted on us. Jesus intended for us to live free of resentment and bitterness. Our freedom is in mercy. It frees us from bitterness and hate. It gives us a whole new ability to love. Amen.
Brigitta Nortker, comp. 3-Minute Devotionals For Women. Uhrichsville: Barbour, Ohio. Print.
