Matthew 5:39
Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)
“Ek sê egter vandag vir julle: julle moenie mense wat julle sleg behandel probeer terugkry nie. As iemand jou deur die gesig klap om jou te verneder moet jy dit maar vat. Moenie terugslaan nie.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Matthew chapter 5 is Jesus speaking and teaching his followers not to retaliate when someone does something bad to them, but instead to show kindness even in the face of harm.
Explained for Children
Imagine if someone pushed you down at school. Instead of pushing them back, Jesus says it's better to be kind and maybe even let them push you again, like showing a bigger heart than they did with their mean act.
Historical Background
The Gospel of Matthew was written by one of Jesus' disciples sometime in the late first century AD for Jewish Christians. This verse is part of Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount where he teaches his followers about living a life based on love and forgiveness.
Living It Out Today
In today’s world, if someone spreads rumors about you at work or school, instead of retaliating with your own gossip, this verse encourages you to respond with kindness, maybe even by reaching out to that person to understand why they acted that way.
Topics
forgivenessnon-violencelovehumilityfaithresponse to evil
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean we should never defend ourselves?
While this verse encourages non-retaliation, it does not necessarily forbid self-defense. The focus is more on responding to personal insults and harm through kindness rather than escalating conflict.
How can I explain this verse to my children?
You can use simple examples like sharing toys or forgiving a friend who has hurt them, teaching that showing kindness in return often leads to better outcomes than fighting back.
Are there other Bible verses that talk about forgiveness and kindness?
Yes, Romans 12:17-21 also discusses responding with love rather than revenge. These teachings are consistent throughout the New Testament, emphasizing Christian principles of compassion and peace-making.
How do you apply this teaching in real life situations?
In practical terms, it means responding to insults or harm with actions that reflect understanding and forgiveness rather than anger. This can help de-escalate conflicts and promote healing relationships.