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)

¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love.^(A) Honor one another above yourselves.^(B)

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

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

⁴ For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.^(A)

¹⁰ For if, while we were God’s enemies,^(A) we were reconciled^(B) to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!^(C)

¹⁶ In the past, he let^(A) all nations go their own way.^{(B) 17} Yet he has not left himself without testimony:^(C) He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons;^(D) he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”^(E)