Eye for Eye: Retribution or Grace? A Higher Place

I never truly thought about it or had a deeper understanding of what Jesus was trying to reach until my heart was searching for it and a relapse moment, I wondered why would Jesus just get rid of the eye for an eye in the New Testament? [Referring to the verses Matthew 5:38-39 "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 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."]

He didn’t get rid of justice in the New Testament; He just put an emphasis on mercy and forgiveness in the new covenant. Just like Jesus expands the thoughts of every man preconceived thought of how things should be when He returned as Messiah before dying on the cross, He expanded upon our system of thought.

I can think of a time when a wrong was done to me in business and I had every right under man’s law to go after this person in court and I felt a sense of justice because this wrong had been done to me. Instead, I thought about the time and effort and then God called in my heart a new purpose: forgiveness.

This actual lead me to deepen my faith in my journey in a way I didn’t think was feasible. It allowed not only for me to forgive the lady but opened up new doors of blessings that were 10x the hurt. Sometimes we need to look at situations as if what happened to me as the other persons point of view.

If they felt so desperate at that time, they felt the need to do that action. Doesn’t mean justice shouldn’t be served but it is a little easier to understand their view and hurt from a different lens. It allows me to see the work of The Spirit in that situation in which Christ would.

This brings back a funny memory of when my yellow fixie bike was stolen. About two weeks later, I saw a guy riding it past my street. Furious, I jumped out of the car and chased after him on foot. Looking back, I thank God I wasn’t driving—and that Christ allowed my legs to get tired. Even though he had done wrong, breaking an entire metal post just to steal my bike, I realized he must have needed it more than I did. I could replace a bike, but not myself. I can forgive because I am forgiven.

The principle of "eye for an eye" versus "love your enemy" can also be applied to money, debts, and financial dealings, particularly in terms of justice, mercy, and generosity.

1. Old Testament: Justice and Fairness in Financial Matters

In the Old Testament, financial justice was important. The Mosaic Law included principles such as:

• Fair Compensation – If someone caused financial harm, they had to restore what was lost (Exodus 22:1-4).

• No Excessive Interest – Israelites were forbidden from charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites (Leviticus 25:35-37).

• Debt Forgiveness – Every seven years, debts were to be canceled (Deuteronomy 15:1-2).

These laws emphasized fairness, preventing exploitation while ensuring justice.

2. New Testament: Grace and Generosity Over Strict Justice

Jesus takes financial principles beyond justice to grace and generosity:

• Forgive Debts – In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus teaches that since God forgives our great debt (sin), we should also forgive others, including financial debts.

• Give Freely – "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you"(Matthew 5:42).

• Loving Enemies Includes Money – Jesus says, "If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies... and lend to them without expecting to get anything back." (Luke 6:34-35).

3. Application Today

• Justice in Business – We should conduct financial dealings fairly, not cheating or exploiting others.

• Generosity Over Strict Payback – Instead of demanding repayment at all costs, Christians are called to show mercy where possible.

• Forgiveness in Financial Conflicts – If someone wrongs us financially, while justice is valid, Jesus calls us to consider grace and reconciliation over strict legal action.

• Giving Without Expecting Return – Christians are encouraged to help the poor and needy, trusting God for provision.

At the core of it all, justice and mercy are not opposites—they are two sides of the same coin in God's kingdom. While the Old Testament ensured fairness, Jesus raises the bar by calling us to respond with love, forgiveness, and trust in God’s justice rather than our own.

Looking back, I see how God used my situation not just to test my faith, but to grow it. Sometimes, walking away from a fight is not losing—it’s stepping into God’s greater plan.

Thus, while the Old Testament ensures fairness in financial matters, Jesus' teaching challenges us to move beyond mere justice to generosity, forgiveness, and love.