64 THE FAITHFUL READER What Jane Eyre Can Teach Us: “I have an inward treasure born with me” There are many passages throughout Scripture that speak on withstanding moments of temptations. Peter writes to say, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). Jesus himself preached to turn and offer the other cheek if we are slapped on the right (Matthew 5:39). Jane learns to turn her passion inward and focus on her own spiritual growth rather than her previous needs to avenge herself. She chooses forgiveness and clears her conscience in doing so. Her childhood trials give her strength to avoid larger temptations, and twice, she is determined to leave Thornfield rather than stay with the temptation of being with Mr. Rochester outside the bonds of marriage. Paul reminds Christians of their ability to fight against tempting situations: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Jane literally flees from her temptation. Even if fleeing the temptations we face isolates us, we are not alone. The Psalmist cries out to God, saying, “You have taken account of my wanderings/ Put my tears in Your bottle/ Are they not in Your book?” (Psalm 56:8). Though Jane wanders, lost for weeks in her grief and despair, she never turned back to Thornfield Hall because she believed what she was doing was right. Leaving temptation is hardly ever easy; we all have things that tempt us individually—some more than others. But if we retain our character and virtue by doing so, it is always better, therefore, to stand firm. Paul tells believers to “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Jane demonstrates that even when circumstances are dire, it is possible to stand up to temptation and cling to convictions that grant us freedom and a clear conscience.
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