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"The Jews were past masters in the art of splitting hairs, about allowable and
forbidden oaths or forms of profanity just as modern Christians employ a great variety of
vernacular `cuss-words' and excuse themselves because they do not use the more flagrant
forms" (Word Pictures of the New Testament).
This light taking of oaths Christ forbids absolutely. The law said, "ye shall not swear
by My name lightly" (Lev. 19: 12) and the Lord shows that the way to avoid false
swearing is to be content with simple affirmations and negations. Nor does the absence
of an oath lessen the obligation to speak the truth. In the kingdom of God, truth will
reign, and no one can enter it who regards truth as being unimportant.
An eye for an eye.
"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 someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other
also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as
well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who
asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (5: 38-42,
N.I.V.).
The law of retaliation was affirmed in Exod. 21: 23-25, but the spirit of revenge was
forbidden (Lev. 19: 18). Vengeance belongs to God only (Deut. 32: 35). The law of
God put a restriction on unrestrained vengeance. "It limited revenge by fixing an exact
compensation for an injury" (McNeil). The Greek can be translated evil or evil person.
Resistance is forbidden when it is a matter of personal revenge, and it is personal revenge
for a personal injury that Christ is speaking about. It is mishandling the words of Christ
to try to apply them to judges who inflict penalties for guilt, or for governments to use
arms to defend the defenseless under their charge. But it is sinful to resist wrong in a
wrong way or from a wrong motive. To resist from love to God, from love to society, or
love to one's family is different. If all resistance to evil was wrong, then it would be
wrong to resist the devil by words or even prayer.
The Lord gives five examples: assault, lawsuit, impressment, begging and borrowing.
These all indicate an attitude of mind which is stressed so much by the Lord in this
Sermon. It would be foolish for us to surrender our homes and property to anyone who
likes to claim them, whether in need or not. But we ought to be ready to give to all who
are in need. We are not told to give everything that is asked for, but to every one who
asks, which is a different thing. And then generosity and wisdom should come into the
picture. The Lord Jesus did not consent when He was asked to interfere about an
inheritance. But He gave a necessary rebuke and a wholesome warning (Luke.xii.13-15).
We should, however, remember Prov. 19: 17, "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth
unto the Lord".
Love for enemies.
"You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbour and hate your enemy'. But I
tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be the
sons of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and