Read Matthew 5:38-39

“³⁸ You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” ³⁹ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. ⁴¹ And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”

When someone tells you to ignore a minor injustice done to you by “turning the other cheek”, how do you feel? Usually, it doesn’t feel great. The advice sounds good to give, but is difficult to receive. While we easily recognise that it’s an upgrade from “an eye for an eye”, it often feels like we have to simply “suck it up”.

Fortunately, Jesus isn’t calling us to retreat from revenge into a begrudging pacifism, or even worse, a position of abuse. Rather, he envisions us meeting the needs of “one who begs” or “borrow[s]”. This is a call to advance his Kingdom over and above our own.

A key contrast between these kingdoms reveals that one is based on protection, while the other is based on provision. While our earthly societies rightly require a foundation of just and godly laws to protect victims and punish perpetrators, Jesus introduces us to a completely uncommon personal foundation based on provision for the needs of those God directs us to help.

When we exercise our personal right to retaliate against someone who has sinned against us, we enter into their world – a kingdom dominated by darkness. This kingdom prioritises “weighing the scales” to determine what all parties “deserve” and disregards mercy, withholding the punishment others deserve, and grace, giving to others what they do not deserve. In contrast, Jesus’ kingdom inverts our impulse for protection and accumulation towards provision and distribution. This otherworldly shift invites those around us into God’s world – a kingdom of light.

Small kindnesses like returning a smile to the person who cuts us off in traffic, or giving a compliment instead of criticism on social media, bring God’s light into environments that often look dark. When we begin to provide these small graces, we are not only prepared for the greater ones God calls us to, but we offer a glimpse of a new reality that they desire but are yet to experience.

There is an urgency for us to embrace this life that Jesus marks out for us. Without our willingness to advance his love and light in practical, relational ways, the only guaranteed outcome for the future of the world is continued darkness. So give up your right to protect what you own and take up your responsibility to provide for others as God has provided for you.