The time-honored practice among the ancient Israelites of requiring “an eye for an eye” (see for example Exodus 21:24) was certainly a monumental advancement over the practice in some Middle Eastern cultures of unfettered vengeance and retribution no matter the scope of the infraction—even death for a minor offense. Under the Israelite code there was at least to be a balance between offence and punishment. Under the higher law, the Savior goes much further in the direction of a celestial culture: to return kindness for evil and to accommodate those who act against us. “It seems to me there has never been a period in history when it has been more important for us to be engaged in pure religion as taught by the Savior. This religion is not to retaliate, or to exchange in kind evil actions or unkind statements. Pure religion encompasses the ability to cherish, to build up, and to turn the other cheek in place of destroying and tearing down” (Marvin J. Ashton, Be of Good Cheer [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1987], 10).
President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, “The application of this principle, difficult to live but wondrous in its curative powers, would have miraculous effects on our troubled homes. It is selfishness that is the cause of most of our misery. It is as a cankering disease. The healing power of Christ, found in the doctrine of going the second mile, would do wonders to still argument and accusation, fault-finding and evil speaking” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Faith: The Essence of True Religion [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1989], 33).
Therefore, we seek not revenge; we submit in humility yet defend the truth; we go the extra mile and give freely of our possessions; we try to be like Christ in all things. We earnestly strive to have the pure love of Christ that we might love everyone, feeling that ultimate concern for their soul that brings about righteous service. “Why does the Lord ask you to love your enemies and to return good for evil? That you might have the benefit of it. It does not injure the one you hate so much when you hate a person, especially if he is far removed and does not come in contact with you, but the hate and the bitterness canker your unforgiving heart” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1972], 191).