Once we are released from our affection for the knowledge of good and evil, we will have a new tolerance for unfair treatment. When we listen to our knowledge of good and evil, we judge others’ actions toward us as good or as evil. We miss the blessing to function as Christ functions.
You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be 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. “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing {than others?} Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matt. 5:38-48
Where there is no pride – curses have no effect. Where there is no self-love – we can love our enemies. Where there is no covetousness – our possessions have no value. Where there is no self-will – our time is not our own. We are able to endure emotional and physical abuse and to give unconditionally of our possessions and time. As we spend time in fellowship with Christ, we accept that the Tree of Life is a very different tree.