Jesus wants you to be different. He taught you how to react to things in life by a higher standard, not in the carnal way that others normally would react. In doing so you would be “the light of the world” (Mt. 5:14).
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught you to “turn the other cheek,” rather than to retaliate against others. He said after the courts demanded you give a man your shirt that you freely give him your coat also. Jesus continued by saying that if an authority compelled you to assist them for a mile, to volunteer to go a “second mile.” He challenged you to love and pray for your enemies. Jesus asked you to behave in this manner “so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Mt. 5:38-45).
Our Savior concluded these words with a great question; “What do you do more than others?” How are your actions different from your neighbors? How can you be the light of the world if you behave like everyone else? You will not be rewarded, Jesus noted, if you just “love those who love you.” You must live by a higher standard. A standard not only taught by Christ, but lived by him to be your example.
-Dennis Doughty