Love Who?

You have heard it said…

But I say…

Part II

Matthew 5:38-48

The sermon on the mount continues…

When the whole “an eye for an eye” system of justice came about

You can bet it was an improvement

“An eye for an eye” meant no more overkill

No more wiping out whole clans because someone stole a loaf of bread

…an improvement

But we human beings can do better

Enter Jesus

It’s time for another improvement

The cycle of violence

Fed by revenge and vengeance

Escalates in the absence of the courage to speak a word of mercy

There is not a conflict between Justice and Mercy

The refusal to return evil for evil opens up a new arena for a deeper realization of justice

The call to love is a call to step outside the feeding frenzy of sacred violence*

But the frenzy is lightening fast

And getting swept up can happen in an instant of spiritual sloth!

Love your enemies

Just do it

And see what happens

*which disguises as gossip, shunning, oooh...and a lot of stuff I do on a regular basis