Try Not To: Be Hateful

“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 NIV).

Jesus is telling us to be patient! Walk the extra mile, give an extra coat, pray for those who hurt you, and love those who hate you! These eleven verse can be summarized into two words, Love Everyone!

Our reaction matters

Jesus tells us to react out of love and kindness when someone wrongs us. Paul says something similar in 1 Thessalonians. “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and everyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV). Just because someone doesn’t like you or doesn’t believe what you believe, does not make it right for you to hate them.

Strive for perfection

As Christians, we all should have the same goals. To spend eternity in heaven and bring as many people as we can to know Him. Verses 45-48 show how important it is that we reach out, pray for everyone, and love everyone. What good do we do the kingdom if we don’t teach the gospel to those outside the church? What’s the point if we’re just going to sit and judge everyone for their mistakes instead of loving and helping them? We are not anymore human than them. No one is perfect, but Jesus says we should be striving to be perfect like our father in heaven. Mistakes are inevitable not acceptable. Try not to be hateful, instead strive for perfection by showing love and compassion to EVERYONE!

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