Outside Reading #4

TRUE LOVE

Matthew 5:39 (emphasis added)

“But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. You have heart the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

This is probably one of my most favorite teachings of Jesus. How amazing is this Teacher? He says this that were considered ridiculous in His culture (and considered ridiculous today). I hear so many people say, “well that doesn’t mean you should be a doormat”. I think that is exactly what this passage means. It means that you let people walk all over you, even when you’re right. We are not meant to “be right”. We are meant to be righteous. Love does not resist. Love does not fight back. Love does not verbally or physically attack. Love does not rejoice at another’s misfortune or death. I think that this passage means exactly what it means, let people abuse you, mock you, spit on you, curse you, make fun of you, and walk all over you for the sake of them asking “why are you so different”? Jesus never preached self-defense. He always rebuked retaliation and the sword. I want to love like Him. I want to love like this Man. Love radically and stupidly. Love with no borders or intentions. Love, knowing that it will cost me everything and I will be abused for it. That is true love. That is Love Himself.