Pastor Nate Brosher
Feb 15, 2026
Matthew 5:38-42 NLT - 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.' 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, carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.
1. An Eye for an Eye
■ Lex Talionis - The law of retaliation.
Exodus 21:22-25 NLT - 22 "Now suppose two men are fighting, and in the process, they accidentally strike a pregnant woman, so she gives birth prematurely. If no further injury results, the man who struck the woman must pay the amount of compensation the woman's husband demands and the judges approve. 23 But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, 24 an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, 25 a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise.
■ The Code of Hammurabi
2. Offering the other cheek
Matthew 5:39 NLT - 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.
Breaking the Cycle:
Proverbs 15:1-2 NLT - 1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
De-escalation
“Being right is overrated” - Dr. Keith O’Neal
Active Resistance, Not Passivity:
3. Our Response
Luke 17:3-4 NLT - 3 So watch yourselves! "If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive."
Rebuke - Epitimoa - To show honour, reprove, admonish or charge sharply.
Forgive - aphiēmi - To let go, let alone, disregard, keep no longer.
1Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT - 13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love.
■ We must be courageous and strong!
Hebrews 11:6 ESV - 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Faith - Pistis - belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ.
Active Seeking