lex talionis is the law of retaliation and is seen in the old testament by way of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Punishment is proportionate to the crime. Justice is absolute.
Though the old testament emphasises the letter of the law it was Jesus that emphasised grace at this point. He said "turn the other cheek," did he not? Forgiveness is better medicine for the soul than justice more often than not. It also bears a strong witness.
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I agree, however, I think that the teaching on forgiveness is at times misleading. We have separated the idea of reconciliation from forgiveness. Yet Jesus tied the two together in the New Testament, especially in Luke.
Jesus reveals the Old Testament Truth that Justice is required in all situations, but removes from us the burden of enforcing Justice. We are to leave it in God's hands and instead show the equal Truth that Mercy matters more. We show God's mercy to others, since we have been made in His Image, now He expects to look like His Image.
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