Matthew 5:38-42

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has been explaining several Old Testament passages, and explaining God’s original intent for these commands. He now addressed a fourth commandment that we have all heard many times, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” (Matt. 5:38). Jesus explained what real righteousness should look like, which was a righteousness that exceeded the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus taught that He wanted an internal righteousness that changed the heart of men, rather than the external religion of ritual and self-effort of the Pharisees. Our Savior wanted an internal attitude of love toward Him and for others, instead of just empty external religious behavior. This was clearly the intent of the verses we are about to study now.

The verses we are about to study are some of the most misquoted passages in the Bible. Why is this? Because these verses have been misinterpreted and misapplied by many people. The central verse in this section of Scripture is, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” I would venture to say that the vast majority of people today have no idea what this verse actually means! So, let’s consider what Jesus had to say about these words. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person, but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away” (Matt. 5:38-42).

What was the intent of the command, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth?”

What did Jesus believe was the true intent of the command, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth?” The first thing you must do is to read this law in its context in the Old Testament. Here is the context. “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established. If a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, then both men in the controversy shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days. And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you. And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you. Your eye shall not pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Deut. 19:15-21). As you read these words, you first realize that this law was an instruction to the judges of the land, not to people individually. This instruction was to give the judges direction in meting out justice in court. God also gave this instruction to keep judges from meting out punishment that did not fit the crime. God wanted to take vengeance out of the hands of the individuals who had been hurt or killed. He appointed judges and civil authorities in order to reduce and restrict revenge by the offended parties. This law was given so a judge would not give a death sentence to someone, because they put out someone’s eye. If someone knocked your tooth out in a fight; a judge could not sentence them to life in prison. Therefore, this law was given to restrict the judges from unjust or excessive judgment. The punishment had to fit the crime.

However, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes taught that this law justified personal revenge. Yet, the original intent of the law was just the opposite. God wanted to stop people from taking personal revenge by taking punishment out of the hands of angry people, and giving it to impartial civil authorities. The Lord wanted a judge who was not personally affected by an offense, to measure out the correct level of justice to the accused. We all know that when you are directly offended by someone, sometimes your emotions can take over, and you are not as objective as you should be. Your emotions can sometimes cloud your objectivity. The Pharisees missed the entire point of this law, as do people today. This law was to promote mercy, restrict revenge, and prevent injustice. As proof of this fact, simply look at the four examples that Jesus gave to explain how this law should be applied. Note the examples that Jesus used here were concerning someone who slaps you, wants to sue you, compels you to some action, or wants to borrow from you. These examples deal with the issues of mercy, and restricting a person’s vengeful or unloving response. Therefore, if you want to truly simplify this passage, write next to it, Vengeance versus Mercy. This is the point that Jesus was trying to make. 

Resisting an evil person.

What did Jesus mean by this phrase, “I tell you not to resist an evil person?” This command is critical to understanding all that He was teaching in this passage. When most people read this statement they think to themselves, I can’t do that. I must resist an evil person? Is that really what Jesus was teaching? The solution to these questions is solved by searching out the original meaning of the word resist. When you look up the word resist in the Dictionary of Biblical Languages, His meaning becomes clear. The word resist means to become aggressively hostile towards an individual. In other words, Jesus was teaching the disciples not to become aggressively hostile towards someone who had offended them. If you look at each one of the offenses that Jesus referred to in the context, all were minor offenses. If someone slapped them in the face, that is a minor offense. Jesus was not talking about someone coming at them with a knife, or using a sword to try and kill them. He was not talking about someone compelling them to do something that was evil. He used the example of a person, possibly a Roman soldier, compelling them to walk an extra mile. Someone who wanted their tunic, which was also a minor offense. Therefore, in minor offenses don’t get aggressively hostile with people. Try to resolve the issue without more conflict. Make every effort to keep an emotionally charged situation from becoming explosive by remaining calm (Luke 12:58).

Now let me show you two passages of Scripture where this word resist is used, so that you might have a better understanding of its usage. In 2 Timothy 3:8 Paul said, “Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth.” These two men were the magicians that Pharaoh brought in to mock, and with hostility resist Moses. There were also people in Timothy’s church that were resisting him in a similar manner. In 2 Timothy 4:15. Paul warned Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith whom he declared, “did me much harm, for he has greatly resisted our words.” So, with great hostility and aggressiveness Alexander resisted and fought against Paul’s ministry.

How did Paul understand Christ’s instruction?

Let me give you several examples of how you should look at evil around you, from the Apostle Paul’s perspective. He wrote in Romans 12:9, “Abhor that which is an evil. Cling to what is good.” God clearly wants us to hate evil, and pursue what is good. In Ephesians 5:11, Paul taught, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” Therefore, wherever you see evil you should hate it and expose it, because that’s what a believer should do. In 1 Corinthians 5:13, notice what Paul taught when you see someone practicing evil in the church. He commanded, “Therefore put away from yourselves that wicked person.” This particular individual to whom Paul was referring, was a man who was committing incest in the church of Corinth, and he was boastfully declaring his freedom to behave in this manner. My point is this; the Bible declares that we must resist evil, and resist evil people, just not in a hostile way. This is clearly how Paul understood this particular instruction by Jesus.

In addition, Paul also taught in Romans 12:17-21, “Repay no one evil for evil.” In fact, this is exactly what Jesus was teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. These four examples that Jesus used to illustrate His point, are simply teaching you to not respond with evil when evil is perpetrated upon you. Paul said, Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” Then Paul added this little qualifier, “If it is possible,” which implies that sometimes it is not possible. Sometimes people are so hostile and aggressive that they seek to do you or your loved one’s bodily harm. But, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. “Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Therefore, Paul taught the very same thing as Jesus. You need to have the correct attitude so that whenever possible seek to overcome evil with good. You are not to take vengeance upon others! You are to leave vengeance to God who has perfect knowledge; He will repay justly in all cases. You are not to take vengeance especially in minor issues. You are to let them pass, and let them go. You are not to avenge yourself.

Now before I leave this word resist, I want you to see what the Scripture teaches about where you should resist in a hostile and aggressive way. I know you are thinking to yourself, But you just told me to not be hostile and aggressive. I did, but here is the balance. In James 4:7 it declares, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” The same Greek word resist that Jesus used here in the Sermon on the Mount, was also used in this verse by James. Consequently, James was teaching us that we must be hostile toward, and aggressively resist Satan and his lies, his temptations, and all his work in our lives. This is exactly the intent of Ephesians 6 when Paul talks about the wrestling match that goes on between believers, and the spiritual hosts of wickedness that are seeking to destroy us. He declares in Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” The word withstand is the same Greek word for resist that we have been studying in Matthew 5:39. My point is this; many Christians struggle and fail in their lives. Why is this? One of the reasons this stumbling occurs is, because believers fail to aggressively and with hostility resist Satan. I would venture to say that we all need to become more hostile and aggressive toward the work of the enemy who is aggressively trying to destroy us and our loved ones. As Paul said, if you want to stand in the evil and difficult days that come into your life, then get more aggressive in your battle, and fight the good fight of faith. You may be in one of those difficult times right now, or this time may be coming this week. But the question is, will you resist and fight in faith? Or, will you be passive and think, I can’t win. Will you try to resist Satan in your own strength, and by your willpower? If you do, you will stumble and fall. What you need to do is resist aggressively with all hostility against him, in Jesus’ name. When you come against him in Jesus’ name, Satan and his demons cannot win. In fact, they must flee. But you must fight against him with faith and prayer. Believing prayer is your most powerful weapon, and you need to use this weapon with hostile aggression. This is what Paul meant when he said, “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). Stand in faith and rebuke him, just as Michael the archangel did when he said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you” (Jude 1:9). You have been given this authority by Christ’s own words. He said to His disciples, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). You have been given authority over all the supernatural power of the enemy! Do you realize this? I believe that we are way too passive when it comes to fighting that spiritual battle that is going on around us every day. Many times, as Christians we just lay down our swords, and the enemy runs all over us. Don’t lay your sword down! Use the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, and aggressively take the fight directly to the enemy. Submit yourself to God. Fight in faith! Fight in prayer! Fight in the name of Jesus, as you stand on the victory you have been given in His Word! Remember, “Resist him, and he will flee from you.”

How does Jesus illustrate the principle of not taking revenge over minor offenses?

In Matthew 5:39-42 Jesus gives you four examples of how to respond in minor offenses. First, Jesus said, “Turn the other cheek.” This command is misquoted, misunderstood, and misapplied more than any other of Christ’s commands. Remember, each of these commands applies to an attitude in your heart. Don’t misapply this command by simply making it into an external behavior. It is the attitude of turning the other cheek. If I physically turn the other cheek, but I want to kill someone in my heart, I have missed the point. This is what the Pharisees did. Suffer the injustice instead of seeking revenge. Jesus is encouraging forgiveness, not revenge. Seeking revenge is the first thought every one of us has in our hearts when we are offended. We are all alike in this way. I know it is usually my first thought. I want to punch and hit them back verbally and physically. I want to give back exactly what they gave me. That is the wrong response. 

Turning the other cheek is having a totally different attitude of the heart. But, does turning the other cheek mean that I should never speak up for myself? Should I never speak out against evil? Should I never defend myself? Not at all. Remember the way Jesus responded when struck on the face, that was recorded for us in John 18:23. Jesus was standing trial on that last night before his death, and He was slapped in the face by one of the high priest’s officers. Scripture declares, “Jesus answered him, ‘If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?’” Jesus reproved this individual for striking Him unjustly. Why didn’t Jesus just turn the other cheek, and tell the officer, “Here is a better shot at this side of my face.” If you think that Jesus should have done that, then you are missing the point. Jesus did not seek revenge, but He did speak up against the evil, which is exactly what you also must do. Speak out against evil. 

In Matthew 12:14-15, here is another example of how Jesus handled those who wanted to kill Him. “Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him how that they might destroy Him. But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there.” So how did Jesus respond to those that were seeking to destroy Him? He withdrew Himself from this circumstance. Therefore, you must speak out against evil, and at other times, if it is prudent, withdraw yourself from the circumstance.

Another example of Christ’s attitude towards evil, and the way He handled it, was when He first went into the Temple at the beginning of His ministry in John 2:15. John records, “When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.” So, what happened to Jesus the pacifist? This does not sound like Jesus was a total pacifist to me! He was not. Why did He overturn the tables? Why did He drive the money-changers out of the Temple? Jesus saw these money-changers as doing a great evil to His people. These individuals were ripping off God’s people, and using their desire to worship God to make money off them. How did they do this? When people came to offer their money to God, the money-changers told them they could not use their currency, but must use Temple coins. So, they had to change their money, and were charged a high rate of exchange. Also, if the people brought a sacrifice to God the officials would always find something wrong with it, and make them buy one of their sacrificial lambs or goats. This was a royal scam! They were gouging God’s people, and Jesus was not happy with this evil being done to them. He first told them to get out! Leave the Temple grounds! Jesus then went through the Temple overturning tables, taking their money and pouring it out on the ground, and then driving them all out of the Temple grounds. It is a powerful image that reflects the character of God. When people think that God is a pacifist, or that Jesus specifically was a pacifist, they do not understand Him. They are not considering the whole context of Scripture. How can I be so sure that Jesus was not a pacifist? In Revelation 19:11 it declares, “I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.” Jesus is coming one day in judgment and justice, and He will judge and make war. No one will see Him as a pacifist on that day! 

The Balance

I know you are probably thinking, “Look I’m really confused. How do I balance turning the other cheek, and not taking revenge, with the Jesus who judges and makes war? This sounds like Jesus is willing to fight, and stand up for righteousness. The balance is very simple. With minor issues you must be willing to suffer injustice, and not seek revenge. However, if a conflict begins to escalate into a major issue, you must defend yourself and others who are in peril of great bodily injury or death. Let me explain. If someone slaps your face or pushes you, you should not respond in a hostile manner. You should seek to deescalate the situation. But, if someone pulls a knife or points a gun at you, or tries to kill you, or someone you love, do anything and everything in your power to stop them. This is what it means to stand up for the sake of righteousness, and the protection of those that you love. If you say, “No, that’s not right, I should turn the other cheek,” that is a misapplication from a misunderstanding of this passage of Scripture. If God never wanted you to protect yourself, or others, why would He stir up men and women of faith to rescue those in perilous circumstances in the Bible? One great example of this truth is when the Ammonites came to enslave the people of Jabesh Gilead. The Spirit of God came upon Saul to stir him up to resist this evil, and rescue the people (1 Sam. 11). Also, consider Abraham’s rescue of Lot when he was taken captive by the kings of the North (Gen. 14). Abraham did not just sit by and let this happen.

In addition, why would Jesus have instructed His disciples to buy a sword before He left them? This is exactly what Jesus taught them in Luke 22:36. He told His disciples before His own arrest and trial, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.” If you don’t believe in self-defense, you must answer this question of why would Jesus command them to buy a sword? This is the direct opposition to a previous instruction that He gave to them, when they first went out to preach the gospel. Remember He said, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece” (Luke 9:3). Why didn’t He want them to take a bag when they first went out? Because He wanted them to trust Him completely for their provision. But now He commands them to take a money bag, because they were going on extended journeys, and if you don’t have a sword, buy one. Remember, this was Jesus speaking to them. If owning a weapon, or defending yourself is wrong for a Christian, why would Jesus tell them to buy a sword? We know that Peter had a sword in his possession because Scripture records, “Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear” (John 18:10). So, we know at least one of the disciples had a sword strapped to his waist. Obviously, Jesus did not want Peter to use his sword as He was being arrested, that’s why He told him to, “Put your sword into the sheath” (John 18:11). Why did Jesus command him to do this? Because His arrest and execution were the reason He had come to this earth, and this is why He said, “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me? (John 18:11).

Another instructive verse on this same topic is Luke 11:21. There Jesus taught a parable concerning spiritual warfare. He said, “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace.” Again, if possessing a weapon or self-defense were sinful, Jesus would never have used this analogy, that a man could be fully armed who was guarding his house. This is another example of why it is not wrong for a Christian to be a police officer, or be in the military. Young men and women ask me this question all the time. Is it biblically acceptable for me to join the military, or go to the police academy? I answer them, yes! Then I explain to them the difference between the civil kingdom of man, and the spiritual kingdom of God. In Romans 13:1-4, Paul declared concerning the civil kingdom of men, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God. And the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resist the ordinance of God. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? “Do what is good, and you will have praise of the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” Note that the word resist in this passage is the same Greek word we looked at previously in Matthew 5:39. It means to become aggressively hostile towards an individual. People who become aggressively hostile toward the duly ordained authorities, such as our government and police, are resisting the ordinance of God. Therefore, police officers and our military bear the sword for a reason. They are ministers of God to protect us from evildoers. They are to protect us in the civil arena from evil people or nations.

Now, for those of you who think we should get rid of all guns and disarm as a nation, think this through. If the United States decided to unilaterally disarm, and we got rid of all of our nuclear weapons, all of our tanks, all of our guns, all of our bullets, and said, “We want to live at peace with everyone in the world.” How long do you think that we would exist as a nation? Not long, because you know the heart of sinful men, and you know the testimony of history. We would be conquered in a very short time. But, did you also know that the Scripture speaks about a nation being prepared for war? Proverbs declares, “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD” (Prov. 21:31). God told His people that they had better be prepared for war, but remember they have to trust in Him for the ultimate victory. Note the balance of being prepared, and trusting God!

Therefore, always remember that in God’s spiritual kingdom, He wants to promote love and forgiveness, and not retaliation for minor offences. He wants us to do all in our power to live at peace with all men (Rom. 14:19). However, when there is blatant evil or harm being done by criminals, this is a civil issue, and must be dealt with by the civil authorities. But what happens if the civil authorities are not present, or cannot respond quickly to help you? Then you must defend yourself, and your loved ones. If someone wanted to violently take your life, or someone in your family, you have the right to defend yourself, until you can seek the civil authorities to intervene on your behalf.

A second example

The second example given by Jesus is in verse 40. Jesus said, “If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” Notice again that this is a minor issue of someone wanting your coat. Jesus said, instead of getting into a confrontation, just give it to them. Now you may be thinking to yourself, But what happens if it’s a major issue like someone is lying about me at work and wants to get me fired, or suing to take my house? Should I let them take my job and livelihood, or my home? No, not at all! That is a major issue. Remember, Jesus is after the attitude of the heart. He doesn’t want you being vengeful toward others, or getting into petty conflicts over small things. He doesn’t want you to sue people as your first option. Isn’t that where we are today in our country? People sue others over the smallest things. Our courts are clogged with frivolous lawsuits. People spend thousands of dollars to recover some minor thing that is worth pennies compared to what they are spending. You should just decide, “Forget it. This is not worth it.” The only exception is if it is a major issue that would affect your life in a major way. If you choose to obey Christ’s command in this passage, and endure the wrong done to you, remember, you have a great attorney who stands at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus is called our Advocate, or our Attorney in the presence of God. He sees it all, and will deal justly.

Let me leave you with one important thought to help balance this issue in your mind. God is the one who set up civil government, and the legal system in the Old Testament. He set up a system of laws, magistrates, and judges to make just determinations in disputes. Jesus made reference to this fact as well. Notice what He said in Luke 12:58. “When you go with your adversary to the magistrate,” not if you go. He said, “when you go.” This is an important point. He declared, “When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.” Notice that little phrase, “make every effort.” This is the same truth taught in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” In other words, try to settle the issue out of court, and as much as depends on you, live at peace with others. So, you must always go and first make every effort to try to resolve the issue before going to court. Remember, Paul also taught the same thing when he reproved the Corinthians for going to court over the smallest matters (1 Cor. 6:1-8). Paul was in essence saying to them, “Can’t you find someone in your fellowship to sit down with you, and try to work these things out?” He said in 1 Corinthians 6:7-8, “It is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong?” Remember that the context is over, “the smallest matters” (1 Cor. 6:2). This is the same principle that is being taught here in Matthew, concerning suffering wrong done to you in these small matters. Clearly the Bible gives a perfect balance to these issues.

The third example

Jesus gave a third example for non-retaliation in verse 41. He taught, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” In those days, in the Roman Empire, the magistrates or the military had the right to compel any private citizen to do whatever was necessary to enable them to fulfill their job. This is the reason the Romans took a man out of the crowd, and compelled him to carry the cross of Christ. Why? Because Jesus was unable to make it to Golgotha due to His weakened state (Mark 15:21). So when you are compelled or required by your boss to do extra work, what should you do? Do it with joy, serving the Lord (Rom. 12:11; Col. 3:23). Again, this example is a minor issue to be compelled to go one mile. However, Jesus said to give more than is requested. We all have used this phrase “Let’s go the extra mile with them,” many times. What does this phrase mean to you when you use it? It means you are choosing to go out of your way to serve or help someone beyond what is required. You go the extra mile even when it is inconvenient, in order to keep the peace, or to show love. This should always be our first response.

The fourth example

Then in verse 42 we have a beautiful extension of the previous command, “Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” This is another often misquoted and misunderstood passage. What was Jesus commanding His disciples to do? Be givers! Have a heart that is willing and ready to give when people around you are in need. We must all learn how to give of our time, our talents, and our treasure. Throughout your life people are going to ask you for help. They are going to ask you to give or to borrow something from you. We all need to learn how to become givers, and not just takers. You will need to learn this in your family, your job, and at your church. How are you doing in this area of your life? Are you a generous person, or stingy? Are you a giver, or do you only want people to give and help you?

However, there is a great need for understanding and balance regarding this issue of giving. Is there ever a time when should not give, or allow someone to borrow something? Should you ever say, “No?” Yes, there are absolutely times like this. I know what you are thinking right now, Wait a minute, that can’t be right! You are directly contradicting what Jesus taught here. But, look at the whole counsel of God on this subject before you reject what I am saying. First, remember Jesus is after an attitude of giving inside you. He is not giving you a new law to externally fulfill. That would be missing the point of the entire Sermon on the Mount.

Therefore, let me ask you one question? Is God a giver? Yes! He gave us His most precious gift, His Son. He did not withhold His best from us. But, was there ever a time when God Himself did not give to His people when they asked? Absolutely! Notice what God said in Isaiah 1:15. He said to His people, “When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear.” Notice God declared that it was not that He could not hear, but that He would not hear their request. Why? God said because, “Your hands are full of blood.” In other words, these people were coming to worship, and spreading out their hands to God in prayer, but they were playing a game with Him. They were offering their children at the same time to the god Molech, and the god Baal. This is what He meant by, “Your hands are full of blood.” He was declaring to them that He was not deceived by their cries for help, and that He was not going to respond, or give anything to them. So, when God saw that He is being used by people, He did not play along. He is not a fool, and neither should you be. If you believe, and you have evidence that someone is trying to use you, or they misuse what you have given them in the past, you should not give to them now. I remember, years ago when I first became a believer, I learned this lesson. A heroine addict came to me one time and said, “I’m hungry. I need some help. Can you give me some money?” I said, “sure,” and I gave him some money. That afternoon he went out and got high, and I found out about it later, how he had used the help I had given. I thought to myself, Wait a minute the Bible said I’m supposed to give to anyone that asks. But, should I have done that? No. What should I have done in that circumstance? I should have said, “Let me take you to the store, and buy you some food.” Or, “come in and you can have dinner with me,” instead of handing him cash. This is still giving, but in the correct way. Giving this man money was the wrong thing for me to have done. Or, if someone takes what you buy them, and they turn around and sell it, so they can get that cash to then buy drugs or alcohol, don’t give again. You have to be wise. This is also what the Scripture declared in Psalm 112:5. The Psalmist taught, “A good man deals graciously and lends,” which sounds exactly what Jesus taught here in the Sermon on the Mount. But, notice the rest of the verse, “He will guide his affairs with discretion.” The word discretion is a Hebrew word that means with discernment or wisdom. So, you should look very carefully at the circumstances and goals of how someone is going to use what you give them. This makes good sense for the correct way to handle giving.

Another passage to consider is Proverbs 3:27. Solomon taught, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” When someone is using you or misusing what you have given to them, then this is someone who is not due help. Wisdom and discernment must be exercised as you give, or when someone wants to borrow from you. What should you do when a person is in major debt, and they want to borrow more money from you? This person is in debt for a reason. Most of the time they have spending habits that need to change, or your money will not help their situation. You need to encourage this person to get some financial counseling, sell things to pay their debt off, and get rid of as many monthly services that they have now to reduce their debt load. Also, when you give to any organization, you should always ask for an account of where your money has gone on a yearly basis, so you can see if your money is being used correctly. If a church or other charitable organization will not give you this accounting summary, I would not support them in the future. This is financial accountability, discretion, and wisdom on your part.

Here are some financial principles to remember. It declares in Psalm 37:21, “The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives.” Note, it is a wicked thing to borrow from someone, and not repay that debt. When someone is in debt, something is radically wrong. In addition, don’t ever become a cosigner for someone’s debt. Scripture declares, “Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts” (Prov. 22:26). Also, “A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend” (Prov. 17:18). The word surety means to becoming the security or the cosigner on someone’s debt. Note that God’s Word tells you not to do this even for a friend. If you reject this wisdom, you may be held liable for someone else’s debts.

Let me conclude with the point that giving is a demonstration of mercy. That is the theme of this section of Scripture. Instead of revenge, show mercy. If you consider each of these examples where Jesus was asking us to show mercy, they were given for a reason. Notice that each of these examples is exactly where He has shown you mercy. When Jesus was struck on the cheek, it was my sin that wounded Him. He was struck on the cheek, but He showed us mercy. He was smitten for our iniquities. Did He forgive when this was done? Oh yes! He said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Sinful men have made their complaints against Him, charged him, sued Him, and pursued Him to death. Our sin compelled Him to carry His cross where He did not want to go, and He definitely went the extra mile for each of us. He has given so mercifully to us. Take these principles and examples that Jesus has given, but don’t make them a law unto themselves. Take the principles and apply them, in the wisdom that God gives you, to the circumstances of your life.