Much of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount focuses on our attitudes and behavior toward others. Jesus is emphatic that we must treat others well. Even our attitudes toward others should be controlled. But what if others mistreat us? Do the Lord’s commands still apply?
In Matthew 5:38-40 He says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”
The impulse to retaliate comes so naturally to most of us. But Jesus teaches that not only is it wrong to mistreat others—it’s wrong to mistreat others who mistreated us first, also.