In the final section of Matthew 5:1–48, Jesus covers the topic of enemies and revenge. They are naturally linked together because we typically take revenge on someone that we consider to be an enemy. If a friend has wronged us, we are more likely to forgive and forget, though we all know that relationships can quickly change, and those whom we were once fond of can easily become rivals. This reality suggests that personal relationships are once again the focus of Jesus’ teaching.

The fundamental message being conveyed by Jesus in this section of his sermon (Matthew 5:38–48) is that kingdom citizens must do good to all people, irrespective of what they do to us. The desire of our hearts must be the welfare of our fellow human being. This is what it means to love our neighbours as ourselves. I am concerned for my welfare; I must be concerned also for theirs.

The implication of this attitude is explained in the examples. “I do not seek revenge when I am wronged. When someone insults me, I do not need to come back with a line that is more creative and mean. I do not need to restore my honour as if my name is especially important. Also, if someone makes a legitimate demand on my time or money, I put myself at their service as far as I am able. And I do so without complaint, without expecting some profit in return. My property is to be used for kingdom service. Finally, when it comes to that person who I dislike—a rival at school or in the office, a former friend who has ruined my name and reputation—I pray for them. Not only for their repentance if there has been sin, but I pray that God would do them good. I pray that God will help me to let go of my anger so that I am willing to do them good (Matthew 6:9–15). As citizen of the kingdom, the glory and honour of God comes before my own. 

This, then, is the attitude that ought to mark kingdom citizens. It is not a prohibition on defending your life or that of another. It is not a call to poverty and begging, as if you must give away all that you have and forsake your responsibilities. It is not a ban on going to the courts or seeking justice when there has been a crime, neither is a dictate for government or the approval of weakness and pacifism. No, this is a basic concern for others, seeking what it best for my fellow man.

As with murder, adultery, and oaths, Jesus’ teaching is diametrically opposed to what the people of his day had been taught. Reading from the same Bible, over time the laws of God were adapted to justify sinful behaviour, while at the same time allowing people to claim allegiance to God and his commands.

With the principle that underlies civil justice—an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth—what was meant for a court of law became a guideline for personal relationships. He hit me on the arm, I can hit him as well. She took my hairband, now I can take her bracelet. He mocked me in front of my boss now I can make sure he does not get that promotion. Instead of limiting retaliation, the law was used to justify revenge and vengeance, just the opposite of what God intended.

Similarly with the call to love your neighbour, that law was limited so that you can freely treat certain people with scorn. Smile at the scribes, but look down on tax collectors. Greet the Pharisee, but ignore the Gentile. Your neighbour was limited to those who thought and looked like you and for everyone else there is freedom to hate.

Both of these reductions are rejected by Jesus. They are at odds with what we read elsewhere in Scripture, contrary to the will of God. Certainly, when it comes to personal relationships between fellow Israelites and the foreigners who sought to worship the Lord. Vengeance and hate have no place in the church community, nor should they characterize the church’s relationship with outsiders.

Why is it that God’s people must seek the welfare of others, even those who wish to take their life? Because that is the example of our Father and his Son. Our Father sends rain on the just and the unjust. He cares for all creation. He is patient with those opposed to him and he is our standard when it comes to godly living. Made in his image, we must be perfect as he is perfect. Old covenant and new, God’s people are to be salt and light; moral excellence is what God requires.

Given this standard, we must give thanks for the Son, because if he did not take on flesh then God’s standards would only serve to condemn. But that is what he did. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, Jesus Christ is the Mediator—the true and righteous man who met the demands of God’s law in full. Confident of future vindication, he was willing to turn the other cheek. He left vengeance in his Father’s hands and willingly suffered loss of honour, loss of life, even for the sake of those who hated him. Remember how he prayed for the men who drove the nails into his hands? Father, forgive them. Yes, while we were still God’s enemies Christ died for us, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring us to God (Romans 5:6–11). He is our model of meekness and generosity (1 Peter 2:21–25), his grace, goodness, and love toward us is the source to motivate our own.

Kingdom citizens must make it their aim to do good to all people. The person who insulted you in the past. The person who makes unfair demands on your time. The person who asks you for money, the person who takes credit for your work, the person who looks and thinks differently from you. The person who shames you and exposes your secrets. The person who is sent to give you a fine. Everyone is to be treated better than they deserve, better than what we think they deserve.