"You have heard, that it was said: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you this: do not oppose evil with evil; if someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn and offer the other. If someone sues you in court for your shirt, give him your coat as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give when asked, and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow from you." - Matthew 5:38-42
(An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. We read this in the Scriptures because in the world of that time it was a wholesome maxim [Deuteronomy 19:18-21]. It claimed to put a limit to the thirst for vengeance and reminded judges and the community itself of the duty to defend its members against those who abuse the weak.
Do not oppose evil with evil. JESUS asks us to approach an adversary in the same way as this adversary may be approaching us: who is the wicked one?
Offer the other cheek: be the first to be free of the web of violence. As in judo, surprise the other by making the very move he was not expecting: he may then see that he was mistaken. JESUS has no doubt that this renunciation of violence and of our own interests obliges the FATHER to intervene and come to our aid. Do not forget that JESUS wants us to "see GOD" at work in our lives.
If someone forces you to go one mile. JESUS speaks to farmers who are humiliated and oppressed by foreign armies. Many times they are obliged to carry the burden of the soldiers. Their usual reaction is resigned submission concealing hatred and desire for revenge. Would they be capable of responding to such a counsel? It is certain that had they practiced it, they might have saved their nation from destruction)
