Matthew 5:38

Just 3 simple words from Jesus, frequently overlooked, have perplexed and guided his followers for years. Including me. Matthew 5:38, are Resist Not Evil.  

His words are rarely quoted; I don’t think I’ve ever heard a member of the clergy speak specifically to this teaching.  ‘Resist not evil’ seems counterintuitive to the popular message: ‘Fight back’, “Don’t be a woos’, ‘You’re right; they’re wrong’, ‘Don’t let them walk over you.”  It leaves us asking what are the evils we face?  How do we deal with the ‘evils’ such as difficult relationships, divisiveness in our nation, and even international conflicts?  

Jesus added examples: if forced to carry a soldier’s backpack, do it without resistance and even ‘go the extra mile’. If asked to give up your jacket, add in your fleece vest as well.  An astonishing move like this turns the whole situation upside down; deflates the harm, takes the wind out of sails.  It is then possible to go to a neutral place where we can see a whole new vista.   

What did Jesus mean for us to do and be?  Non-resistance takes courage.  And it feels risky. It means stepping back, looking for the bigger picture, taking the holistic view.  It challenges us to put aside negative energy such as anger, apathy or despair.  This opens up room for compassion.  Once there, a light bulb can come on that makes it possible to respond in entirely new ways.  Perhaps Jesus today would use the word ‘creative’ as in, we can create a place of peace and understanding.   

There have been beautiful examples in many places on earth. I’ve been inspired by Nelson Mandela’s acceptance and creativity before, during and after years of captivity.  

We all are troubled by controversy and the way to handle it.   When experiencing ‘evil’ actions, can we move to a new possibility?  Can we lose our life to save it?  

Jesus has challenged us not only to decode his three words, but to enact them in our lives.  Resist not evil.

PRAYER:  Gracious God, the words of Jesus splash water in my face. Wake me up. Open my eyes. Be with me as I strive to decode and enact ‘resist not evil’.  As with the famous prayer, grant me the serenity to “accept things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can with a creative response, and the wisdom to know the difference.”  I am grateful always.  Amen.

PROMPT:  What did Jesus mean when he said: “Resist not Evil”? Where are you applying ‘resist not evil’ in your life?