Love in Hard Places

Savior and Teacher: A Study of Matthew PART 15
Rev John Lin
20 May 2012

Matthew 5:38-47
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'  39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person.  If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.  40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  44But I tell you:  Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons 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.  46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?  Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others?  Do not even pagans do that?

CHALLENGE OF VENGENANCE
--Eye for an eye describes a sort of fairness
--Socially lower classes had more severe punishments than upper class for the same crime.
--In theory, a more equitable punishment to fit the crime.
--Instead of insult for insult, maybe we absorb the deficit.
--Resolve the situation by bearing the burden.

OBSTACLE OF OTHERNESS
--Kindness and forgiveness to all whether they are like us or not.
--Facebook is about creating an image of ouselves--narcissism.
--Emotional disengagement makes your life thinner when you blow people off that aren't more like you.

NAKEDNESS AND EXOSURE TO GOD'S GAZE

Forgiveness means that I'll take the burden of your offense.