38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away” (Matthew 5:38-42).
The rule of law provides a nation with a justice system while reining in unrestrained wrath against others. For example, the Law of Moses decreed judgment against wrongdoers in accord with the crime they committed, hence, “an eye for an eye…” (Exo. 21:22-25). But the scribes and Pharisees had turned the Law into a tool of personal revenge (Matt. 5:20). Jesus resists such lawlessness, teaching citizens of the kingdom of heaven not to retaliate against the evil person. His apostle would explain, “Repay no man evil for evil…If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; at it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Rom. 12:17-19).
As America undergoes nights of violent destruction in many of its major cities, people are asking and answering the question, “Why?” Why did a policeman sit on a man’s neck until he died? Why did this tragedy devolve into such nationwide chaos and destruction?
Some have a ready answer: “Systemic racism is the problem!” There is no doubt that racism is sinful and causes many injustices. Yet, not every person is a racist. It is woefully unjust to think and act as if they are. So we ask, was it a system or a man who killed George Floyd? Did it all happen merely because of the color of their skin? Where does racism reside, in a person’s heart, or in the system in which that person operates? Have biases and prejudices corrupted the very systems intended to protect and defend us? Are we able to look objectively at these subjects? Or, has the tear gas, generations of mistreatment, ingrained prejudices, and present outrage obscured our vision? Are we willing to heal this nation’s divide with divine truth and grace? Or will we dig in and keep on fighting?
Inspect and correct every system that needs it. But please understand that corrupt hearts produce corrupt systems. Corrupt hearts must be changed to effectively correct any failure of governmental systems (Prov. 14:34). The Bible calls this “repentance” (2 Cor. 7:10-11).
But again, why all the mayhem in the name of “protest?” We offer no quarter or excuse for the actions of police officers in Minneapolis or elsewhere who abuse their power. We protest the utter lack of humanity in the video of Floyd’s death. Neither do we condone the lawless actions by those who are intent on hurting, stealing, destroying, and disabling citizens and our society because they have a grievance.
To respond with personal wrath and revenge against evil is arrogant, for by doing so, we displace God as Judge and trust ourselves rather than Him to correct evil and punish the evildoer. Going the second mile gives us the chance to calm our souls, trust the Lord, and heal a nation.