I posted this in the Israel War thread but some folks (I think rightfully) suggested it might be it's own thread.
There's a good bit of talk in my world and my Christian friends about revenge.
The natural (and feels like human) response is Eye For An Eye. That feels like justice. That's how it worked in the Old Testament.
But Jesus was painfully explicitly clear on that in the New Testament.
It feels like an incredible instruction and teaching.
My questions for you and for discussion are maybe these:
What do you think of this idea of radical forgiveness?
Have you ever been confronted with a situation in your life where it applied?
Edit to add: I don't want to exclude anyone from this discussion. Feel free to share whatever you have experienced or feel. I mentioned Jesus' teaching on it as I'm a Christian. But for sure don't limit this in any way. Share what you see regardless of your beliefs.
There's a good bit of talk in my world and my Christian friends about revenge.
The natural (and feels like human) response is Eye For An Eye. That feels like justice. That's how it worked in the Old Testament.
But Jesus was painfully explicitly clear on that in the New Testament.
It feels like an incredible instruction and teaching.
Matthew 5:38-48
New Living Translation
Teaching about Revenge
38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’[a] 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,[b] carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
Teaching about Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’[c] and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies![d] Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends,[e] how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
My questions for you and for discussion are maybe these:
What do you think of this idea of radical forgiveness?
Have you ever been confronted with a situation in your life where it applied?
Edit to add: I don't want to exclude anyone from this discussion. Feel free to share whatever you have experienced or feel. I mentioned Jesus' teaching on it as I'm a Christian. But for sure don't limit this in any way. Share what you see regardless of your beliefs.
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