11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Offer no resistance to one who is evil. 

Is Jesus saying that we can’t defend ourselves against someone who is trying to harm us?   Are we not supposed to avoid dangerous situations?   No, of course not!

Jesus is talking about the temptation to retaliate—to willfully return evil for evil.   It’s a mindset that, sadly, we still see at play today.   One relative makes a hurtful comment, and the offended party retaliates by responding with a nasty text or e-mail.   On a larger scale, an act of violence taken by one nation against another can quickly escalate into all-out war.

It is certainly tempting to seek vengeance, yet Jesus calls us to let go of that desire as well as the anger that so often drives it.   Why?   Because he knows that evil can never conquer evil.   He also knows that our returning blow for blow isn’t going to heal our hurts.

Jesus not only told us to offer no resistance to one who is evil; he also demonstrated it throughout his life.   Though he had every right in the face of being falsely accused and condemned, he did not lash out against the people who were persecuting him and seeking to put him to death.

We know it’s only human to want to take an eye for an eye.   This is why we need Jesus’ help in order to resist the temptation to take revenge.   It’s only as we walk closely with the Lord and remember his example that we are able to take the high road—forbearing, turning the other cheek, and forgiving.

The next time you find yourself tempted to retaliate with a snap remark, ask the Lord to give you the strength to keep quiet.   When a coworker speaks rudely to you, try to forgive and let it go.   If there’s a long-standing feud or hurt in your life, take some time to pray about whether there is anger or a desire for revenge lurking in your heart.   Have you forgiven the party who hurt you?

Taking the high road isn’t easy, and it usually doesn’t come automatically, but with Jesus’ help, we truly can conquer evil with good.

“Jesus, help me to let go of any desire to retaliate or take revenge.”

1 Kings 21:1-16
Psalm 5:2-7