Jesus replied:

Matthew 22:37-40: ...Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

This is a profound statement. All of the ethical teachings from ancient Israel to Jesus’ ministry, a period ranging centuries, can be summarized with two commands: love your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. This, indeed, is a constant theme throughout the New Testament. The following are several examples:

Romans 13:8-9: Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. For all of the commandments… are all summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

1 John 4:7-11: Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love… This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us... Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:12-20: No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us… God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him… We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

From these passages we learn that God is love, and that God’s love is made complete in us. We love our neighbors, because God first loved us. Those who do not love one another cannot love God, and those who love God must love one another.

Jesus and the Love of Enemies

Jesus’ ministry concentrated on extending this general love of neighbors to a love of enemies.

Matthew 5:43-45: You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Luke 6:27-28: …Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 6:32-36: If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even “sinners” love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even “sinners” do that… But love your enemies, do good to them... Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Even sinners love those who love them. Jesus promoted a greater love, a love of one’s enemies. God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked, so we must be kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. God shows mercy towards his enemies, so we must show mercy towards our enemies. God loves his enemies, so we must love our enemies.

Matthew 5:38-39: You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person...

“Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth” was the method of retribution in the Old Testament as delivered by Moses. Under this ethical system, the punishment for any wrong done to a neighbor would be the infliction of an equal wrong. If someone harmed his neighbor, he would consequently face that same harm. If someone murdered his neighbor, he would consequently face death. (For an examination of the relationship between the Old Testament’s “eye for an eye” and Jesus’ teachings, please read Jesus Abolished the Old Testament’s "Eye for an Eye.") This was how enemies were treated in the past. Jesus promoted a new method:

Matthew 5:38-42: You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Luke 6:29-31: If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

If these passages are meant to be taken literally, followers of Jesus are forbidden from taking part in any actions of self-defense. If physically assaulted, Jesus instructed his followers to turn the other cheek. Show your attacker that you do not wish to retaliate; show your enemy love. Remember, God loves his enemies. Instead of “eye for an eye,” follow the advice of Jesus:

Luke 6:27-28: …Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Many argue that Jesus taught against personal retaliation, but not governmental retaliation. According to this viewpoint, it is wrong for a follower of Jesus to retaliate personally against an enemy, but it is perfectly fine to use the governmental authorities and courts of law to punish the enemy. (For an examination of the relationship between Christians and courts of law, please read Should Christians Take Part in Courts of Law?) It must be noted, however, that even the Mosaic Law did not allow personal retaliation. An individual, to be in compliance with the Mosaic Law, was called upon to report any injury to the authorities, who would then administer punishment. This is what the Old Testament’s “eye for an eye” consisted of: governmental retaliation. Personal retaliation is not condoned under either Testament. The Old Testament, however, did condone governmental retaliation, and this is what Jesus referenced and taught against. Jesus promoted the love of enemies. Retaliation, whether it is personal or governmental, does not convey love to an enemy.

So, are these passages meant to be taken literally? Several issues will need to be addressed to answer this question. To begin with, the example Jesus provided demonstrates this literal denial of self-defense. When Judas Iscariot arrived at Gethsemane, intending to betray Jesus and turn him over to the authorities, Peter attempted to defend him by reaching for a sword, and striking the servant of the High Priest, cutting off his ear. Jesus miraculously healed the wound Peter inflicted, and then rebuked Peter:

Matthew 26:52: "Put your sword back in its place… for all who take the sword will die by the sword..."

Peter's actions could certainly be considered a just use of violence. Jesus, an innocent man, was about to be given into the hands of an angry mob. Peter attempted to rescue his friend through the use of defensive violence. Jesus, however, rebuked him. Later at his trial before Pilate, Jesus made a comment which explained his condemnation of Peter’s actions:

John 18:36: My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews…

If Jesus’ kingdom were of this world, his servants could use defensive violence when attacked. However, Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. Many argue that Jesus’ purpose was to redeem mankind, and this is why his servants could not defend him. It must be noted, however, that Jesus’ reason for not fighting was not that he had to redeem mankind, but that his kingdom is not of this world. His kingdom is built around love and the love of enemies. Jesus specifically forbade Peter from using the sword, but his wording was universal:

Matthew 26:52: “Put your sword back in its place… for all who take the sword will die by the sword.”

This same prohibition of “the sword” is found in the book of Revelation, specifically applied to all followers of Christ:

Revelation 13:9-10: He who has an ear, let him hear… He who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

In this passage, the same comment Jesus made prohibiting the defense of himself is explicitly applied to all “who has an ear.” Indeed, refraining from using self-defense against an approaching enemy does require “patient endurance and faithfulness.” Followers of Christ, however, are called upon to love their enemies, as Christ loved his. Repeated throughout the New Testament is the idea that followers of Jesus must imitate him in this respect.

Followers of Christ Must Imitate Christ in Regards to the Denial of Defensive Violence

Peter, the disciple rebuked for using the sword in the attempt to defend Jesus, later explained in 1 Peter how Jesus’ unjust suffering and denial of self-defense was an example for his followers:

1 Peter 2:21-23: …Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in his steps: … When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

1 Peter 4:1: Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude.

According to Peter, along with the redemption of mankind, one of the purposes of Christ’s suffering was to leave his followers an example. Christians “should follow in his steps” and renounce defensive violence. Instead, followers of Jesus should love their neighbors, including enemies and attackers.

The Gospel of John reveals explicit instructions from Jesus himself to love one another as he loved:

John 13:34: I give you a new commandment: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 15:12: My command is this: love each other as I have loved you.

In 1 John, the command to imitate Jesus is further promoted:

1 John 2:6: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus lived.

1 John 4:17: in this world we are like him.

The writings of Paul also reveal an injunction to imitate Christ:

1 Corinthians 11:1: Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Ephesians 5:1-2: Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us...

1 Thessalonians 1:6: You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering...

Philippians 2:5: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Lastly, once again in the Gospel of John, there is an account of a touching moment where Jesus prayed for his disciples, worried about the fate they will suffer once he leaves. Jesus explained in this prayer just how alike they were. The following is a portion of this prayer:

John 17:14-18: I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world... They are not of the world, even as I am not of it… As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

The Apostles Promoted the Love of Enemies

Acts 8:1 tells us that a “great persecution broke out against the church.” During the course of the book of Acts we read of persecution from mobs, religious authorities, and governmental authorities. Most of the Apostles met a martyr’s death, but instead of using self defense, they showed love towards their enemies. As Stephen was being stoned to death, he fell to his knees and cried out:

Acts 7:60: …“Lord, do not hold this sin against them!”…

Although faced with great persecution, the Apostles followed the lead of Jesus and Stephen, facing their enemies with love while rejecting the sword.

Romans 12:14: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Romans 12:17-21: Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Thessalonians 5:9: God did not appoint us to wrath…

1 Thessalonians 5:15: Make sure that no one nobody pays back evil for evil, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

James 1:20: The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

1 Peter 3:9-11: Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing …turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it…

The Denial of Defensive Violence Will Lead to Suffering and Persecution

Many argue against a love of enemies which includes the denial of self-defense because it will lead to suffering and persecution. Indeed, this is true. Jesus predicted this and warned his followers:

Matthew 24:9,13: Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me… but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Mark 13:9-13: You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them… All men will hate you because of me...

John 15:18-20: If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world… That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: “No servant is greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also…

John 16:2-4: They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you…

These warnings, although seemingly bleak, are accompanied by a message of hope:

Luke 12:4: I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

Matthew 5:9-12: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Peter lived through much of this persecution, and ultimately faced a martyr’s death. In 1 Peter, he wrote of the glory in persecution:

1 Peter 2:19-23: It is commendable if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps… When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats…

1 Peter 3:13-18: …if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed… It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for us…

1 Peter 4:1: Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

1 Peter 4:13-19: …Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ… If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed… If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal... However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name… So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

The Apostle Paul also faced much suffering and persecution. In his writings, he discussed the hardships he faced:

2 Corinthians 11:23-26: …I have… been in prison more frequently, been beaten more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned… I have been… in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea…

2 Corinthians 6:4-10: …as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; …in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; …beaten, and yet not killed…

2 Timothy 3:10-11: You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my… love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me… the persecutions I endured…

Like Jesus and Peter, Paul also predicted that followers of Jesus would face suffering and persecution. Indeed, he stated this directly:

2 Timothy 3:12-14: In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted… but continue in what you have learned…

Furthermore, Paul wrote:

Romans 8:16-17: ...Now if we are God’s children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:35-36: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution…? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

Philippians 1:29: For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.

How did Paul instruct his readers to respond to such suffering?

Romans 5:3-4: …We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

1 Corinthians 4:10-13: We are fools for Christ… To this very hour… we are brutally treated… When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.

Echoing Peter’s comments above, rather than being discouraged by potential suffering and persecution, Paul rejoiced. Most importantly, through it all, he still showed his enemies love. When he was cursed by his enemies, he blessed them. When he was slandered by his enemies, he answered kindly. Although he was beaten, whipped, stoned, and imprisoned, he still had enough love in his heart to write:

Romans 12:17-21: Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

This provides Christians with a great weapon when confronted by an enemy. While Jesus warned against resisting evil with evil, Paul said to overcome evil with good. In other words, overcome our enemies through the love of our enemies.

Romans 13:10: Love does no harm… therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

The Good News of the Gospel: Live a Life of Love, Peace, and Forgiveness

To summarize, we have learned that God is love, God’s love is made complete once we love like God loves, God loves his enemies, and therefore we must love our enemies. Living such a life could lead to a meek life full of suffering and persecution. But as Jesus said,

Matthew 5:5-12: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth… Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy… Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The suffering a Christian encounters does not have to be overwhelming, however. No Christian should have the attitude of a defeatist. We already have the victory on our side. By living a loving life full of peace and forgiveness, we have all the tools necessary to overcome evil with good.

Live a life of peace:

2 Timothy 2:24: The servant of the Lord must not fight; instead, he must show his gentleness to everyone…

Hebrews 12:14: Pursue peace with all people…

Romans 10:15: …How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace.

Romans 14:19: Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace…

James 3:18: The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace.

1 Thessalonians 5:13: …Live in peace with each other.

Live a life of forgiveness:

Ephesians 4:31-32: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32: Be generous to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.

Colossians 3:13: …Where any of you has cause for complaint, you must forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And in conclusion,

Colossians 3:12-15: …as God's chosen people… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

Or in other words,

Matthew 10:16: be as wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Written by Matthew J. Truitt, Harmless As Doves Ministries

Jesus Abolished the Old Testament's “Eye for an Eye"

Must Christians Follow the Teachings of Jesus?

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