Matthew 5:38-48

38Jesus then said, ‘You also know that God's Law says: “If somebody destroys your eye, then you should destroy that person's eye. If somebody destroys your tooth, then you should destroy that person's tooth.”

39But what I tell you is this. If somebody does something bad to you, do not do anything against him. Somebody may slap you on one side of your face. Then you should also let him slap the other side of your face.

40Maybe somebody wants to take you to the judge. He says that you should give him your shirt. Give the man your shirt, and give him your coat too.

41Or a soldier may tell you, “Carry my luggage for one kilometre.” You should do that. Even agree to carry it for two kilometres.

42When people ask you for something, you should give it to them. If they ask you to lend them something, then you should not refuse.

43You have heard people say, “Love the people who are your friends. But hate those who want to hurt you.”

44What I tell you is this: You should love the people who want to hurt you. If people want to give you pain, pray for them. Pray that God would help them.

45If you live like this, you will show that you really are children of your Father above. God is kind to everyone. He causes the sun to shine on everyone, both good people and bad people. He also causes the rain to fall on everyone, people who obey him and people who do not obey him.

46Do you only love people who love you? God will not give you good things just for doing that. Even the men who take taxes love their friends!

47If you are only kind to your friends, then you are not doing anything special. Even people who do not believe in God do that.

48So you must be good in every way, as your Father above is good in every way.’