PLZ SHARE: Is it a contradiction between Jesus saying "Eye for an Eye" and "Forgive and Forget."

Question

Always wondered about this one. When Jesus says "An Eye For An Eye" then says "Forgive and Forget" would that not be a contradiction? Does he mean first get the revenge and then forgive and forget? And sometimes I can't forgive. I'm of course not as pure as Jesus. My sister-in-law is a nut case and has done mean and spiteful things to me. I can't seem to forgive her and have no desire to. Does that mean I'm not a good Christian? Any and all thoughts will be greatly welcomed.

Answer 1

Actually, I don't think Jesus said "an eye for an eye," except to say that was no longer the right way. He said "turn the other cheek."

If I'm wrong, please correct me.

Edit to add: Forgiving doesn't mean saying everything that has gone before is "ok." It just means you refuse to carry the anger and hurt feelings anymore, and have no desire to "get even." Have you talked to your brother about it, to see what he could do? You may just have to find a way to co-exist within the family, and if she's continually hurtful, you might have to find a way to avoid her altogether.

Answer 2

Jesus didn't say that, it was a rule of the land.

The phrase "an eye for an eye", (Hebrew: עין תחת עין‎) is a quotation from Exodus 21:23–27 that expresses a principle of retributive justice also known as lex talionis (Latin for "law of retaliation"). The basis of this form of law is the principle of proportionate punishment, often expressed under the motto "Let the punishment fit the crime", which particularly applies to mirror punishments (which may or may not be proportional). At the root of the non-biblical form of this principle is the belief that one of the purposes of the law is to provide equitable retaliation for an offended party. It defined and restricted the extent of retaliation. This early belief is reflected in the Code of Hammurabi and in the laws of the Old Testament (e.g., Ex 21:23–25, Lv 24:18–20, Dt 19:21).

Jesus did say:
You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Matthew 5:38–39, NRSV)

see source for more info

Answer 3

Ok, let me clear this up for you. Jesus quoted the old testament and told those he was teaching that in the old tesatment it said an eye for an eye but HE said Forgive (he never said forget, but if you truly forgive you do forget.

True forgiveness is merely overlooking what you thought someone did to harm or insult you in some way.

Answer 4

Jesus never ever said an eye for an eye, that's in the old testament. But they're still both in the bible so it is sort of a contradiction.
and as for being a bad christian because you cant forgive? probably not.

Answer 5

When he says an eye for an eye, it is referring to the old law of Moses. (Exodus 21:24 That law had been around for hundreds of years. It was ingrained in the Jewish mindset. Jesus said "You have heard an eye for an eye, but I say Do not resist an evil person. (Matthew 5:38) His sermon was quite radical for the day. He was telling them not to take an eye for an eye but to forgive and turn the other cheek. Jesus makes other statements in departure of the old law in that chapter. Jesus does not want us to get revenge and yes it is hard to forgive sometimes, but resentment is a bondage we put ourselves in. If you pray for God's help in forgiving her, you will be blessed greatly. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

No. an eye for an eye is old Testament. Forgiveness is new testament. Structure was the eye for an eye for the Jews, Forgiveness was Jesus and the new covenant.

Answer 7

“An eye for an eye” is not a commandment to harm the person exactly the same amount one was harmed. It’s rather the cap, the maximum to which one was allowed to demand payment/recourse, and no more, especially in public/ legal/ governmental arenas. Forgiveness is what God desires, both in the Old and the New Testament.

Blessings to you for desiring to follow the LORD! Forgiveness is a supernatural thing, and we can’t do it in our own human strength. And no one in her/his flesh desires to forgive. But if you will to walk with Jesus, sincerely will to love in spite of the offense, and determinedly ask for this love, God will SURELY “download” into you the supernatural strength to forgive and love.

“For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.” (1 Peter 2:20)

God bless.

Answer 8

the earlier answers that said Jesus was referring to an OT law are correct...Jesus said "remember eye for an eye"...sort of like me saying "remember when we lynched people for stealing a horse"...he then said that what he wanted us to do from now on was to forget our old laws and follow his instructions...to forgive!

...to but I'd go a step farther and say that "eye for an eye" was never God's law. In the OT, people wanted to enforce God's laws themselves...he said, OK, but if you want it to work, it needs to be "eye for an eye". Jesus restored the original plan and that was for us to let God handle punishment...he knew that he was the best person to revenge the wrongs done to us...that if we do it, we'll get it wrong!

Answer 9

where does he say an "Eye for an Eye?" i know it's in the Old Testament with its old laws...and Jesus said that the new law was to basically forgive and forget.

Answer 10

You need to read your Bible. Jesus was telling people that they should forgive and not go by "an eye for an eye."

BTW "an eye for an eye" was meant as a restriction to the Jews. They were not to go further than that.
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