I Hate Being Mistreated!

Matthew 5:38-42 – Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

1. People hate being mistreated. People want to be treated with respect at all times – to include their time, property, money, and family. They may avoid some people and treat others badly to ensure everybody knows not to mess with them. They will not be taken for a ‘fool’ or be used as anyone’s doormat. They don’t want to be taken advantage of or seem like they’re weak. They want to be strong in the eyes of man, but does that ‘strength’ equate to obedience in God?! No, it doesn’t.

2. Many people may seek to take advantage of us. Some people will try to take advantage of us or abuse us (and their position) because we’re disciples of Jesus or because of their own prejudice and hatred. They’ll exercise every opportunity possible to take advantage of us because they can.

3. We want to avoid (or repay) people that seek to abuse, mistreat, or act on their hatred of us. Some people being mistreated may need to fight off feelings to repay others for what they’ve done or run away. They close their heart and life to anyone that would even remotely treat them in a similar manner. Their mind and emotions are are over the place and they become a wreak because they continue thinking about the injustice which has occurred (or is occurring). They often know what they should do, but they fight their flesh until they choose to change their perspective of the person (or people) and situation. Jesus wants to show us a better way…

4. The response to mistreatment. When Jesus speaks about ‘an eye for an eye…,’ He speaks from the Law of Moses (Leviticus 24:17-21) to repay those things which are done to you or your animal. However, Jesus says that we are not to resist evil. We are to allow the evil to continue without seeking repayment or ‘revenge.’ If a person sues you and takes your coat, give him your cloak. If a person compels (forces) you to go one mile, go with him two.

Jesus goes on further and says that we are to give to them that ask of us and not turn away those that want to borrow from us. What happens when you’ve given to those in need and they keep wanting more? Give more…love your enemies…bless those that curse us…pray for them that despitefully use and persecute you…show mercy (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 10:25-37).

Jesus says we should do this to be a child of our Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:45). He says that our Father makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rains on the just and unjust. As our Father even provides for those that are considered evil and unjust, we should do the same. It’s what makes us perfect as He is perfect (Matthew 5:48). God is not asking you to do anything He wouldn’t do or hasn’t already done for you (Hebrews 12:1-4). This is what makes you His child. A child does what His Father does.

^{Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/MattGruber}