Matthew 5:38-48 NRSVue

³⁸“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹But I say to you: Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also, ⁴⁰and if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give your coat as well, ⁴¹and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. ⁴²Give to the one who asks of you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

⁴³“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. ⁴⁶For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same? ⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
I am to be as perfect as God the Father! Is Jesus being unreasonable, asking too much of me?

Reflection
Jesus portrays God as a loving and proud Father who sees Himself in me and in each one of his sons and daughters. So He expects of me as a dearly-loved child of his, created in his image, that I will be good to all my brothers and sisters, even my ‘enemies’ and persecutors.

Reflection
I am not to retaliate, but should give, share, lend and go the extra mile.