Let's look at two attitudes towards justice and enemies that come out of the law, and how Jesus taught the spirit and intent behind them.
The Spirit of Justice
A law of just compensation gave the value for repayment of a lost eye or tooth in an accident or altercation. But Jesus said not to seek equal repayment for injuries, but to have the attitude of being the more generous one.
"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 anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:38-42 NIV)
Generosity of spirit may seem like taking a loss, or being a sucker, but it is the attitude of heaven that makes for a better world. Generosity is better than seeking justice for every wrong now. It is the attitude of faith that trusts God to compensate for all injustice in eternity. Imagine a world where instead of being gouged in business each sought the other’s benefit, and instead of taking each sought to give. God will put up with no lesser society for all eternity. That is the eternity that we are preparing for now by how we choose to live.
The Spirit of Dealing with Enemies
Similar to seeking justice is the attitude we have towards our enemies. Are we generous of heart, or stingy, demanding our rights? Does the cross teach us anything at all?
Everyone has enemies, whether they are being bullied or cheated. Nobody wants personal enemies, but we all have them, even if it is only the rude driver who is impatient with us for keeping the speed limit, or the neighbor who hates us because we are a Christian. How are we to treat our enemies? This is perhaps Jesus’ most difficult teaching.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48 ESV)
God gives rain and sunshine to all of humanity, even our enemies. Our attitudes towards our enemies ought to consider what God provides even for those who hate us. How can we be more in line with what His attitude is? How can we be more spiritually mature (perfect) in our thinking?
Jesus died on the cross for those who were His enemies, in hope that they would eventually repent and turn to Him. We should learn from Him and want to copy His attitude of self-sacrifice for our own enemies.
