BY: Juliet Constantine

“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.” (Matthew 5:38-39)

“Justice delayed is justice denied.” This is a familiar statement that many have come to believe. In our world today, justice seems to take forever. The offender seems to have more rights than the offended. The process is sometimes very lengthy and methods may be flawed which lead to the conclusion above. But this wasn’t always so.

Under the ancient Mosaic system of Law, justice was immediate. There was no overcrowded prison, no waiting for a court date, and no trial by jury. If you are guilty the punishment was immediate. There was no appeal process. If anyone killed another, his life would be taken. At times the Law commanded that the guilty and his entire family be punished - an entire family wiped out! This was law without grace! “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a foot for a foot, a life for a life” (Exodus 21:24)

Such was the situation when Christ came. The church leaders of the day ensured that the very letter of the law was followed – in a civil way. That’s why Stephen was stoned when they collectively agreed that he blasphemed God’s name. Stoning was the punishment to be applied under the civil statute. But Jesus brought tolerance and forgiveness. Jesus did not change the Mosaic Law. He just showed us a better way to live.

Violence is never welcome. Avenging one’s self is not the answer. We are to strive for a peaceful resolution to whatever conflict is faced. Living with anger, hurt and resentment will make us unlovable individuals. The “eye for eye” civil statute will leave many blind, without a body part, or dead; but, in the better way to live, forgiveness is king. Joseph practiced it when he forgave his brothers for kidnapping and selling him into slavery. The alternative would have been death for his brothers. (Exodus 21.16)

In “a better way to live”, King Solomon shared his wisdom when he wrote:

“Don’t ever say, ‘I’ll pay them back for what they did to me!’ Wait for the LORD. He will make things right.” (Proverbs 20:22)

“Don’t be happy when your enemy has troubles. Don’t be glad when they fall. The LORD will see this, and he might be upset with you and decide not to punish your enemy… Don’t say, ‘You hurt me, so I will do the same to you. I will punish you for what you did to me.’” (Proverbs 24:17-18, 29)

“If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. If they are thirsty, give them some water. This will make them feel the burning pain of shame, and the LORD will reward you for being good to them.” (Proverbs 25:21-22)

Jesus’ legal system is the best above both eras: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Impractical as it may seem, it’s workable. Let’s strive for the better way to live.

Thank You God for the legal system of our day, though imperfect. Please help us to work with each other in resolving our conflicts amicably. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)