Matthew 5:35-45

35

36

37 Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.

38 "Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.'

39 Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it.

40 If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it.

41 And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life.

42 No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

43 "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.'

44 I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer,

45 for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best - the sun to warm and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.