Loving Others More Than Myself

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
But I tell you, do not resist an evil person…
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Matthew 5:38–39, 44 NIV

Because Lent slows me down enough to notice my reactions,

Jesus’ words confront one of my deepest instincts—

The urge to protect myself, defend my position, and get even. 

The old rule of fairness feels reasonable: repay what was taken, respond in kind, guard my dignity. But Jesus offers a radically different way. He doesn’t minimize the hurt; He transforms the response. Turning the other cheek, going the second mile, loving enemies—this is not weakness. It is strength shaped by trust in the Father. Jesus is teaching me that retaliation keeps me bound, but love sets me free.

This kind of love doesn’t come naturally—it flows from my heart when I rest in the security only God can provide. When I no longer need to prove myself, I am free to love generously and courageously. Lent becomes a training ground for this deeper love.

What if…instead of defending my rights, I entrusted myself to God? What if my response to insult, inconvenience, or injustice reflected the love I have first received from Jesus? What if love—not self-protection—became my witness? Let’s do it together.

Let's walk this Lenten journey together.