The Matthean Antithesis

Among the six antitheses presented in the gospel of Mathew, the most difficult to fulfil is the
mandate given by Jesus to love our enemies. It is but human to feel pain and be hurt to whatever acts
or words thrown offensively at us. It comes with our instinct that with pain there is anger and then the
desire for retribution. As much as possible we would want to get even and inflict the same pain to the
other person who caused the same to us. But it does not end there. It also comes with a certain feeling
of animosity. Depending on the damage caused and the capacity of a person to forgive, the rift
between two persons could stand a lifetime. Thus, to say that we should love our enemies is beyond
radical that it borders foolishness.

How can we extend forgiveness to someone who pained us, did us wrong and always has
that tendency to repeatedly abuse the kindness and mercy shown at them? Laws are enacted
precisely to enable us to live in a civilized society where our rights are respected and we are obligated
to respect the rights of others as well. This is the very principle of the rule of law. What is good and
equal, is the law of laws. While it forbids us to take matters into our own hands it provides us with
legal tools to address violations of our rights. Laws in their very essence recognize that when a wrong
is committed it must be punished. In short, through laws the state recognizes our right for retribution.

But again, the notion that wrongdoings should be met with punishments is a very narrow and
simplistic look not only of the law but of mankind’s appreciation of it and of his whole existence. Loving
our enemies does not deny the fact that an offense was committed and that someone suffered from
that wrongful act. The crime and the victim are both real. Nor does it discredit the need for redress
and the mechanism to appease the victim. Laws are enacted and that there is a penalty for every
crime. When Jesus commanded us to love our enemies, He is debunking not the institution of the rule
of law but the culture of hatred and apathy. We should love our enemies and condemn the wrongs
that they committed against us. There is no dichotomy there. Jesus is simply saying that even in his
most deplorable state a person never ceases to be a person. The laws are there to take care of the
acts. As the structure of the law condemns the criminal, love and forgiveness should embrace the
human person.