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)

¹⁹ Do not take revenge,^(A) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[a](B) says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

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

¹⁸ Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,^(A) not only to those who are good and considerate,^(B) but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.^{(C) 20} 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.^{(D) 21} To this^(E) you were called,^(F) because Christ suffered for you,^(G) leaving you an example,^(H) that you should follow in his steps.

²³ When they hurled their insults at him,^(K) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.^(L) Instead, he entrusted himself^(M) to him who judges justly.^{(N) 24} “He himself bore our sins”^(O) in his body on the cross,^(P) so that we might die to sins^(Q) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”^{(R) 25} For “you were like sheep going astray,”^[b](S) but now you have returned to the Shepherd^(T) and Overseer of your souls.^(U)