Resist Not Evil

When others hurt us, we naturally feel like hurting them right back. We resist, or fight back against the evil that they are doing to us. If someone slaps you then you want to call them names or slap them back. But does that help? What does Jesus say about revenge?

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”* (Matthew 6:38-39) Think about these words for a moment. To “resist not evil” means to not have a “I’ll get you back” attitude. Instead, you will allow someone else to hurt you again. Does that seem impossible? It is impossible without God’s love in your heart.

Do you want to be a prince or princess—or a ruffian in the street? You see, it is a low thing to scratch or bark back. That is what cats and dogs do. The Lord Jesus calls us to a higher way, the way He lived. He didn’t resist evil that others did to Him, did He? No, because God’s love in His heart lifted Him higher. Any child can kick the mean boy that tripped them, but very few can get up with a smile and continue on their way. It takes more courage and honor to love back than to fight back.

But what about all the mean people getting away with things? Shouldn’t they be punished? Oh, yes—and that is the secret of it all. God will repay every evil deed done. It is a sure thing, and when you think of how horrible it will be for the wicked when they die, your little kicks don’t seem like much. How much better to love people and hope they will change while we have a chance! It is the heavenly way. Will you take it?