RETALIATION

Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Jesus Challenges Our Desire for Personal Vindication Matt.5:38 Eye for an eye never meant that a person could exact vengeance directly for his or her eye; it said that one should take the offender to court, where the sentence could be executed legally. Jesus' words strike at the very core of human selfishness, summoning us to value others above ourselves in concrete and consistent ways. Some misread this text as if it says not to oppose injustice; what it says, however, is that we should be so unselfish and trust God so much that we leave our defense with Him. We have no honor or property worth defending compared with the opportunity to show how much we love God and everyone else. By not countering, and not coming down to the oppressors' level, we necessarily will appear unrealistic to the world.

Father, Your, Words says vengeance is Your; but how long Lord must we copy with this oppression, and murdering of our people.  Lord, we are getting weary and tired of being abused by people we have done nothing wrong too; please give us Your strength and courage, so we will allow You to defend us in Your will.  Lord, forgive us for our hateful thoughts when our children are killed by those who should serve and protect us; and serve justice to the unjust.  Father, keep Your hedge of protection around us and continue to bless our children from the top of their heads to the soles of their feet.  Father, show us that hate is of the devil and has nothing or no place in Your Kingdom.  Lord, we need You, You said if we call on You with the faith of a mustard seed You will hear us and answer our prayers; so please hear us save our PEOPLE, in Jesus name, Amen