Deuteronomy 15:7–11
“If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs…
We who have been forgiven much need to forgive others the same. In our hurt and disappointment we need to seek the guidance of Holy Spirit to love others and see them through the lens of God. He loves all of His creation and doesn’t want anyone to live without Him in their lives. Knowing what is impossible for us in the flesh is possible in Christ. The Word was made flesh, all God- all man, He showed us the way of the Father, in the unity of Holy Spirit, to live. The life of Jesus exemplifies how we are to live in the New Covenant with God. Carla
Matthew 5:38-42
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 •If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. NKJV
The Lord seems to be speaking in hyperbolic terms to teach the lesson of non-retaliation. Generally He commands us to have a generous and compassionate attitude toward the needy. He makes this application in four areas: physical attacks (verse 39), legal suits (verse 40), government demands (verse 41), and financial requests (verse 42). Compels is a technical term that refers to the law of impressment. The Roman government could press anyone into its service to carry a load as far as one mile. Matthew records a Roman officer doing this to Simon of Cyrene in 27:32.
Hate your enemy is not found in Moses’ writings. This was a principle drawn by the scribes and Pharisees from Leviticus 19:18. The NKJV Study Bible
An eye for an eye This principle, often referred to as lex talionis or the “law of retaliation” (Exodus 21–24) contrasts with the unexpected generosity that a member of the kingdom of heaven should display.
Jesus is speaking of someone who does wrong to another person. He encourages His followers to return good when someone else intends evil. The Roman military occupied Israel during this time, and soldiers could require bystanders to carry a load for a mile.
Members of God’s kingdom should be characterized by overwhelming generosity. “Love your neighbor” Jesus is quoting Leviticus 19:18. Hate your enemy does not appear in the law (or anywhere else in the Hebrew Bible). It could be just be a colloquialism of the time. Faithlife Study Bible
Exodus 21:24
eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Leviticus 24:20
fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him.
Deuteronomy 19:21
Your eye shall not pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Luke 6:29–35
To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back…
Today, I can choose to Be kind.
And here’s the deal: it is the little things—the smile, the kind word, the helping hand—that are the difference makers. They are the building blocks for healing.
They are the building blocks for “re-humanizing”. They are the building blocks for restoring dignity.
This we know: With the storms of life, it is tempting to live reactively. Which means that we forget that sound and life-giving choices come from the inside, from the ground of mindfulness and well-being and self-care, where they have taken root.
Ahhh yes, when life feels heavy, we forget that we are all wired to be replenished. And, remembering… care of any kind, begins with self-care.
I do stand by that, more than ever. Depletion and exhaustion, and being parched, may feel rampant, but there is healing grace in receiving the gift of self-care.
Another good reminder that, without even knowing it—for every single one of us—there are times when we need space to be (and stay) emotionally and spiritually hydrated. Especially in a world that can quite easily, daily, feel like an emotional storm.
So. This week, let us embrace the power of pause. In other words, the permission be gentle with yourself.
And the permission to make (and honor) space(s) that can replenish and heal.
The permission to honor the healing power of sanctuary. Parker Palmer’s reflection, “Sanctuary is wherever I find safe space to regain my bearings, reclaim my soul, heal my wounds, and return to the world as a wounded healer. It’s not merely about finding shelter from the storm: it’s about spiritual survival. Today, seeking sanctuary is no more optional for me than church attendance was as a child.”
This will change the questions we ask.
Not, “What did you do (accomplish) today?”
Instead, we ask, “Today, where did you find sanctuary, to regain your bearings?”
And remember; this affirmation is not an assignment to achieve, but a gift to embrace. Sabbath Moments
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