Matthew 5:38 – 42

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’

39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.

41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

These verses are still part of the “Sermon on the Mount,” and a part which Christ details how his teachings are more strict than the “Law of Moses.”

These penalties are listed several times in the old law. But they are to be done as part of a legal act and not of personal revenge. Jesus teaches that no personal retaliation was to be permitted under the pretense of that law.

If a person is actually harmed he has the right to appeal to the law of the land as it is the authority for those purposes (1 Timothy 1:9 – 10) But we should not take the law into our own hands.

Verse 39 gives us the type of principles the new law, we are not told to literally allow someone to continue harming us, but we are given the principle that we should not look for revenge because someone has done physical or mental harm to us.

Verse 40 continues the principle of not seeking retribution for every action taken against us.

Verses 41 & 42 show us how important it is for us to desire to do extra good for those in need. If the person needs a favor, be willing to do more than the minimum.

However we do need to consider (Matthew 7:6 ), we need to make sure what we are doing for someone is being received and used in the right manner if possible. If we know a person is an alcoholic, drug addict, gambler, or any other type of person which would use our gift in a sinful manner we should make sure the gift is not misused. If they ask for money and we know the money will be used for drugs, booze or illicit activities then we should refuse, instead of money, give food, clothing, or fuel for the car.