Love That Astounds

You have heard it said long ago “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth” That’s the old way of justice and revenge But I’m telling you something completely new Don’t fight evil with more evil Turn away from the cycle of hate 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 If someone wants to sue you and take your shirt Hand over your coat as well If a soldier forces you to carry his pack one mile Go with him two miles instead Give to the one who asks you Don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow 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 Bless those who curse you Pray for those who hurt you Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you If you love only those who love you back What reward will you get? Even tax collectors do that Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect 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 The world says strike back, get even, stand your ground But Jesus calls us higher, to love that astounds Overcome evil with good, break the chain of pain Let mercy triumph, let grace reign In weakness His strength shines, in surrender we win The cross showed the way—love absorbs the sin 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 Live the radical way of the kingdom now Return good for evil, take the lower bow Trust your Father to defend and make things right Walk in love that shines through the darkest night Turn the other cheek—His power will show 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