Here
are two versions of some verses from Matthew, a book in the New
Testament. The first one is from the New International Version.
The second is from a translation called the Message.
Matthew
5 (NIV)
An
Eye for an Eye
38
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for
tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone
strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And
if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your
cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with
him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn
away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love
for Enemies
43
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate
your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those
who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain
on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love
you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing
that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing
more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore,
as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew
5 (The Message)
Love
Your Enemies
38 "Here's another old saying that deserves a second look:
"Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' 39 Is that going to get us
anywhere? Here's what I propose: "Don't hit back at all.' If
someone strikes you, stand there and take it. 40 If someone drags
you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift wrap your
best coat and make a present of it. 41 And if someone takes unfair
advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life.
42 No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
43 "You're familiar with the old written law, "Love your
friend,' and its unwritten companion, "Hate your enemy.' 44
I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let
them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives
you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, 45 for then
you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves.
This is what God does. He gives his best – the sun to warm and the
rain to nourish – to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the
nice and nasty. 46 If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect
a bonus? Anybody can do that. 47 If you simply say hello to those
who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner
does that.
48 "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom
subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity.
Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives
toward you.
Continue
learning about Mennonites and COs.
|
