From Matthew 5:38-42 / Above and Beyond. If there is a misunderstood portion of Scripture that is nearly universally misunderstood, it is Jesus’ quotation in vs. 38 of

Exodus 21:24 / Lev. 24:20. Most commonly this dictum is assumed to be sanctioning harsh retribution. In fact, the concept is to prevent over-punishment. Justice is to be meted out equitably. One cannot sue for millions of dollars over a paper cut. Justice needs to be administered, but only in proper proportion. And in the context of what Jesus is saying here, is that for Christians, we are to deal with one another on an even higher scale – going above and beyond in manifesting the grace of God toward others. Don’t immediately retaliate in kind when there are personal affronts. Go one better. Get a thicker skin. And if someone has a legitimate case against you so as to sue you – don’t make bare satisfaction. Make more than amends, go one better. And if the government overreaches some – don’t become incalcitrant – flex as far as you can. Go one better. And in lending to those who borrow, be generous. Go one better. Give, and it will be given unto you. Now is this all about ethics? Not on your life. True, the principle has ethical implications. But the point is – this is how God deals with us. It is a practical exposition of Romans 5:20 “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” God in His love and grace goes far beyond merely forgiving our sin, He counts us righteous with the righteousness of Christ. And He doesn’t stop there – He adopts us into His family. Nor does He stop there, for He promises us eternal life. And beyond that He is determined that He will “demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:7 – NET). To make us experience the lavish and endless waves of His kindness toward us for all eternity. As Annie Johnson Flint’s famous refrains remind us:

1. He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;

To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

2. When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

3. Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,

Our God ever yearns His resources to share;

Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;

The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

4. His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,

His power no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Note: Annie’s Mother died giving birth to Annie’s sister. Annie was only 3. A kindly “Aunt” (not a blood relative) cared for the 2 girls for 2 years, as their Father was terminally ill and would die a short time later. This “Aunt” prevailed upon a couple to take Annie and her sister in, and they adopted them. Under their tutelage, Annie was taken to Church and revivals and came to faith in Christ at the age of 8. When but a teenager, she and her sister were orphaned a second time. And shortly after that, Annie began manifesting severe arthritis which became debilitating over time. Within 2 years, she could no longer work as a teacher. She spent more than 40 years without a pain free day. As she grew worse, that same “Aunt” made arrangements to bring her to a sanitarium in Clifton Springs NY, where she would live out her days. She supported herself creating hand-lettered greeting and Christmas cards with her poems. A ministry she would continue throughout her life and always in severe pain. Where the ravages of what sin brought into the world – Annie showed that God’s grace abounded all the more. So her song lyrics attest so sweetly.