The law of retaliation in the Old Testament permitted a person to put out an eye or knock out a tooth of an offender who had inflicted such injuries upon him (Exodus 21:23-25). But Jesus calls for a higher code of behavior from His followers. (“Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also,” Matthew 5:39.)

Nonretaliation and forgiveness will stop the cycle of retaliation and leave vengeance where it belongs – in the hands of the Lord (Romans 12:19).

MATTHEW 5:38 – Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.