Matthew 5:33-42, Luke 6:29-30 (On Oaths) (On Retaliation)

Rachel Workman:

Matthew	Mark	Luke	John
(On Oaths) 5:33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one. How many times have I tried to "bargain" with God to get the things I wanted? I can't say I've made an oath or sworn by heaven but I've pleaded with God and in return made promises that I didn't keep. Although I can blame it on youth it doesn't change the fact that I did it. I need grace everyday. I needed it before I even realized I needed it. (On Retaliation) 5:38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’[p] 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,[q] carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. These are some harder verses for me. It's human nature to want revenge. My human nature tells me that people don't have the right to take from me or hurt me. In reading these passages I would say they do. But I don't think that's what they are saying. People will hurt us and God will deal with them.		(On Retaliation) 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.

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John Burnett: 

Matthew	Mark	Luke	John
(On Oaths) 5:33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’[o] 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.  Promising something you cannot carry out would be a lie and Satan is the father of lies. (On Retaliation) 5:38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’[p] 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,[q] carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.  I know the passage is about retaliation which could be considered the opposite of forgiveness.  When someone does wrong against us, it is not our job to retaliate and exact consequences.  We are to forgive.  They will receive consequences on the day of judgment if they do not repent.		(On Retaliation) 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.