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.

In short, be a servant of all. Servants serve all, regardless of whether they have been kind and nice or not.

What is my goal today: to protect my earthly possessions and add more, or to honor and reflect God and his goodness on earth?

I think Jesus is really trying to get his followers to think about what they should be focused on and the types of actions they should take. What is more important and a higher priority — getting what I am owed, or loving with the love of The One who didn’t give me what I was owed? Jesus handed out grace in place of judgment and condemnation.

Another way to sum up this passage is to be “generous in spirit”. Give your money, resources, time, and energy to others and give them more than they ask for, even until it is a sacrifice. Then trust God to provide. The way he does provide will blow you away!

Lord, you model for us sacrificial love. You gave and gave and gave until it hurt; and then you gave some more! Help me to be a giver. One who gives good gifts. One who forgives, loves the unlovable, and serves those who don’t deserve. Thank you for all I’ve been given and all of your blessings!