Sold Out Live

Justice Not Revenge

Matthew 5:39 “But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

When we hear this passage and encounter someone who makes an offense against us, especially if it’s a crime, does this passage imply that we shouldn’t get help from people like Chicago personal injury lawyers or anyone of their sort to get justice? This passage doesn’t imply that. God is just and will not tolerate injustice. It simply implies that we don’t necessarily have to take matters into our own hands especially if our motivation is revenge. Jesus focuses here on the heart of the law, “eye for eye, and tooth for tooth,” which is justice and not revenge. A passage that supports and explains this further is Romans 12:19-21 which says, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”