So far in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus has taught profoundly how to be righteous on the inside: to be sexually chaste and whole, to be free of consuming anger, to speak the truth and keep your word. We have to deal with sin that originates in our hearts, but also with the evil we encounter outside of and against us. This section is one of the most misunderstood teachings of Christ. He is not advocating inaction in the face of evil, pacifism, avoiding enemies or pretending they don’t exist. Jesus teaches us how to overcome evil with good, to be thriving and victorious children of God.