Ending Escalation

38 "^(A)You have heard that it was said, '^(B)An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'

39 "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but ^(C)whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

40 "If anyone wants to sue you and take your ^[a]shirt, let him have your ^[b]coat also.

41 "Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.

42 "^(D)Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

43 "^(E)You have heard that it was said, '^(F)You shall love your neighbor ^(G)and hate your enemy.'

44 "But I say to you, ^(H)love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be ^(I)sons of your Father Who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

46 "For ^(J)if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47 "If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

48 "Therefore ^(K)you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

-Matthew 5:38-48