Lenten Thoughts - Love Them Anyway

What2Say2Day? Today's Lenten reading is from Matthew 5:38-40.

 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well;

Last night at our Youth Bible Study we dove into some of this past week's readings on Loving Others. What I gathered from the youth who were there is a thirst for understanding what the Bible says. I know that feeling, I can remember the Bible not making any sense to me when I was younger, so I just tuned out.

The Sermon on the Mount is something that can be confusing if we only understand the surface meanings. Take this morning's reading for example. On the surface it looks like Christians are supposed to be passive people who just give you everything we have and we do it because we don't want to be retaliated against by God.

Noooooo!

A deeper look in to the ancient (and no longer followed) law of "an eye for an eye" in Leviticus (24:20) helps us understand that that law was meant to ensure everyone is treated the same. A better understanding of another law in the days of Jesus about the acceptable way a person of higher standing in society may hit his slave or a person less than him also helps. That law only allows for the master to strike on the right cheek with the open palm of the left hand. So turning one's cheek both sends the message that you will not fight back, but you're also not going to make it any easier to be struck again.

The giving of your cloak and coat takes a little more understanding of personal connections within a society. Imagine how you would feel if it was a cold night and you demanded someone give you their shirt and they not only gave it to you but also their jacket.

Put this all together and in this tiny little passage Jesus is saying that everyone must be treated equally. Even if there is inequality, though, we should not add to it. Instead we should point out the injustices in a way that does not further feelings of hate or division. In other words, love them anyway, even if they don't love you.