Eye for Eye

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’^{[a](A) 39} But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.^{(B) 40} And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.^(C)

Love for Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[b](D) and hate your enemy.’^{(E) 44} But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,^{(F) 45} that you may be children^(G) 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.^{(H) 46} If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?^(I) Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.^(J)

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you;^(A) bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.^{(B) 16} Live in harmony with one another.^(C) Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.^[a] Do not be conceited.^(D)

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil.^(E) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.^{(F) 18} If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.^{(G) 19} Do not take revenge,^(H) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[b](I) says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.