A New Model

Love and Forgiveness at the Heart of Christian Life

Before the coming of Jesus, God's people lived under the law of retaliation, a strict law of justice: "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth". (Exodus 21:24). According to this law, every offense was to receive an equivalent punishment. It was a way of ensuring equal and proportionate justice.
But Jesus came to revolutionize this way of looking at justice and human relationships. He introduced a new model based not on vengeance, but on love, forgiveness and grace.
In the Sermon on the Mount, he taught:
"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 the wicked. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:38-39)
Jesus not only changed our understanding of divine justice, he showed us a whole new way of living:
- Loving those who hate us
- Serving those who mistreat us
- Praying for those who persecute us
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1. Don't return evil for evil, choose blessing

Jesus calls us to respond to evil with good. He wants us to bless even those who harm us, because we are called to reflect his love.
"Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; bless, on the contrary, for to this you have been called, that you may inherit the blessing." (1 Peter 3:9)
To forgive is not to excuse the offense, but to refuse to let hatred take control of our hearts. Jesus himself, as he suffered on the cross, prayed for his executioners:
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
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2. An Inspiring Story: Joseph and Forgiveness

One of the most beautiful stories of forgiveness in the Bible is that of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37-50).
Joseph was betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers. He suffered for years in Egypt, falsely accused and imprisoned. Yet God used this trial to raise him to the rank of governor of Egypt.
When famine struck, his brothers came to ask for help, unaware that they were standing before the one they had betrayed. Joseph could have taken revenge, but instead he chose love and forgiveness.
"You had a plan to do me harm: God turned it into good. (Genesis 50:20)
Joseph understood that forgiveness liberates, that it transforms evil into blessing.
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3. Choosing Grace over Vengeance

In life, we face wounds, betrayals and injustices. But Jesus calls us to a higher way:
- Love instead of hate
- Forgiveness instead of revenge
- Blessing instead of cursing
When we choose forgiveness and kindness, we follow Jesus' example. He could have demanded justice, but he chose to give his life so that we might have peace with God.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another; forgive one another, just as God forgave you in Christ." (Ephesians 4:32)
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4. Today, Decide to Follow the New Model of Jesus

- Renounce resentment and choose peace
- Love even when it's hard
- Forgive and bless those who hurt you
- Place your pain in God's hands
Forgiveness doesn't erase the past, but it frees your future. When you forgive, you become like Jesus, and he blesses your heart.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

Who can you show Christ's love and forgiveness to today?

Pasteur Clémentine