Eye for an eye
When people sin against us, we automatically have strong emotions of anger, frustration, grief, etc. It’s to the point where it can feel unbearable to the point where you are able to feel your heart ache inside your chest. We as human beings have the freewill to act through our grief or give the act to God on our behalf. Our initial reaction is to retaliate in words or in action. We want to repay the people who have hurt us poorly (eye for an eye). However, God reminds His children to refuse to retaliate and hurt others in sin. When we act out our hurt against others, we aren’t just hurting them. We are hurting ourselves and our relationship with God. We are continuing the very sin we were hurt from and hurting our fellow family in Christ. God’s voice reminds His children that people who sin against you will eventually fall on their own destruction. In Matthew 5:38-48 reminds Christians to resist hurting others who have hurt them. God reminds us to “love your neighbor”. Unfortunately, as human beings it is very difficult to act in love towards someone who has sinned against you when you are in deep sorrow and the pain is still profoundly deep. God is a good God, and he doesn’t allow people who have sinned or hurt us to be unpunished. The beautiful part of who God is, is that we don’t have to sin back in retaliation. We are able to know deep down in confidence, in our souls, that we can depend (trust) on God to protect us in ways that we cannot even imagine in our human brains.
“But all who devour you will be devoured, and all your enemies will be sent into exile. All who plunder you will be plundered, and all who attack you will be attacked. I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the LORD, “for you are called an outcast—Jerusalem for whom no one cares.” Jeremiah 30:16
“Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 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. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:38-48
Love for Enemies
Application:
Take a moment to meditate on these three passages in the Bible. (Jeremiah 30:16, Psalm 37:7, Matthew 5:38-48). What is something you need to depend on God right now? In the past, has God ever shown you sin thats been redeemed or given back to you that you have lost due to someone’s sin against you?
What are some ways to direct your pain towards good? (Journaling, poetry, etc) Your voice is not unheard. God hears every cry.
Give yourself permission to take as long as you need to process your grief.
September 5, 2025
Written by: Molly Moon