Overview
The Old Testament established the law of proportional justice—"an eye for an eye"—to limit excessive retaliation and ensure fair consequences. However, Jesus radically transformed this principle, calling His followers to respond to personal injury with forgiveness and to entrust justice to God rather than taking it into their own hands.
Key Scriptures
"But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot" (Exodus 21:23-25, NIV).
"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" (Matthew 5:38-39, NIV).
"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:19, NIV).
Application
When wronged, resist the urge to retaliate; instead, respond with grace and trust God's ultimate justice.