Luke 6:29-30 (NIV) If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

The message of Christ being lived in and through your life becomes the priority of the disciple. There are circumstances that will have to be decided by the church. Abusive spouses, dishonest church people, abusive parents, etc. are all going to have to be judged by the church on a case-by-case basis. But, the attitude you learn here is to let the Holy Spirit put God’s attitudes in you. God can and will restore things back to you. You just have to let your priority be a heart of love. People are God’s concern. He gets glory when you love your enemies.

Mat 5:44 (NIV) But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

When God puts His power in you to love your enemies, this produces a powerful message in the minds of the people of the world. For the world, forgiving a friend who cheats them is almost impossible. Loving an enemy is unheard of. This is powerful salt and brilliant light in a darkened world. When it takes the power of God to do something this big, God gets the glory from you and the people around you. When people see this kind of love, it is going to generate questions in them. This gives you an opportunity to start talking to the crowd. This is something that can influence your community with the message.

The Law was all about getting even, making everything just and fair; Jesus’ message is all about grace and mercy.

Exo 21:23-25 (NIV) But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.