Feuds often begin with an offense, whether real or imagined, setting off a cycle of retaliation that escalates into destruction and death. Someone takes offense at an action, seeks to get even, and the other party strikes back, leading to unending conflict because no one is wise or righteous enough to back down or sacrifice. Jesus, in His instruction, aims to prevent such conflicts among His disciples by setting a high standard of response to provocation. He teaches that His followers should not retaliate but instead keep the peace, reflecting His character as the God of peace. His guidance focuses on personal matters, urging patience, humility, sacrifice, and open-handed love and mercy in the face of insults or unfair demands. Jesus advises against resisting an evil person in personal confrontations, not meaning to let evil triumph, but to avoid private retaliation. His examples, such as turning the other cheek, suggest accepting insult without response, taking shame without reacting in kind. He encourages going beyond what is required, like going two miles when compelled to go one, or giving more than asked, to mitigate conflict and restore peace. This approach, though seemingly impossible, aims to transform attitudes from human nature's desire for dominance to Christ-like giving and serving. His shocking commands are meant to change how His disciples handle personal conflicts, portraying them as unselfish, cheerful peacemakers willing to suffer loss to overcome evil. In specific situations, Jesus instructs to turn the other cheek when insulted, symbolizing a refusal to retaliate and a willingness to accept shame. If someone seeks to take something through a dispute, He advises giving even more to settle the matter and prevent escalation. When forced into service, He urges going beyond the demand with a spirit of love, potentially easing oppression and serving as a witness of His character. Lastly, when asked for help, He promotes a generous attitude, encouraging thoughtful giving that aids without being foolish, fostering a heart ready to assist even if it involves personal cost. These responses reflect a call to imitate God, walking in love and sacrifice, striving for the lofty height of godliness in a world of offense.

Jesus' teachings on kindness and love, such as turning the other cheek and loving one's neighbor, are deeply offensive to human nature, which often resists such principles. His insistence on these virtues was so contrary to worldly ways that it led to His crucifixion, as His high morals shamed others. He shows us the way through His life, yet this very goodness provoked anger in those who opposed Him. In His final discourse to His disciples, He warns that following His way will bring tribulation, as the world hates those who are not of it. He emphasizes that living according to His teachings does not guarantee temporal success or peace, but rather opposition, because the world, driven by selfish desires, has little patience for virtues like love, kindness, patience, and mercy. Jesus commands us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute us. These actions are completely contrary to human nature's fight or flight instincts during conflict. He calls us to override these sinful drives with self-control and respond with love and goodness, mirroring the divine nature of God. This response is essential godliness, reflecting how He loved and blessed us even while we were still His enemies. By acting in this way, we witness to others the love of God shed abroad in our hearts. Our reaction to opposition reveals whether we resemble children of God or of the adversary. Jesus illustrates that God provides sun and rain to both the just and unjust, actively showing love and provision even to His enemies. We are to follow this example, treating opponents as we would close family or friends, even when they hate us. This is where true spiritual growth occurs, not in merely being kind to those who love us, for even sinners do that. Jesus sets the ultimate goal of perfection, urging us to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect, embodying limitless love, kindness, and mercy in our behavior, thoughts, and words, striving toward the righteous character of God.

Human nature often clings to past sins and offenses, both our own and those of others, much like reclaiming leavening after it has been discarded. We must resist the urge to unearth and dwell on old transgressions, as this hinders spiritual growth. Jesus teaches that forgiving and forgetting the trespasses of others is essential, warning that if we do not forgive, neither will our heavenly Father forgive us. He emphasizes reconciliation as a priority, instructing that if we have caused resentment in another, we must seek to make amends before offering our gifts to Him. Holding onto grudges or rehashing old faults, whether in marriages, families, or among brethren, can destroy relationships and separate friends, as Proverbs reveals that repeating a matter divides even the closest bonds. We are cautioned against collecting and storing past offenses in our minds, as these can become fertile ground for bitterness and revenge. Instead, we must bury not only the memory of transgressions but also the thoughts and impulses that lead to them, ensuring they are not left to propagate and cause further harm.