Turn the Other Cheek

Matthew 5:38-41 "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 the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”

In yesterday’s post, I reflected on how we as followers of the Lord ought not say evil of one another. We ought not to speak ill of other people nor act as if we are their judge and jury. Today, I’d like to consider when someone is treating us wrongly. Do we fight back against the ill spoken word? Do hit back when struck? Or do we turn the other cheek?

Turning the other cheek is one of those Christian phrases that rolls off the tongue and most everyone knows it and preaches it. But do we live it? For example, if someone insults you, what is your first reaction? Is it meekness and quietness? If someone hits me, does my face burn with anger and do I demand justice? If someone takes from me, do I give them more and thereby puzzling them with generosity? This Christian kindness would no doubt be considered foolish and weak to the secular world, but God honors this meekness and kindness. We see this same call to kindness, gentleness, and meekness exhibited in the ministry and passion of Christ. Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek with love and kindness, even when we are the ones being wronged.

Can we do that? Can you pray for them? Can I forgive them? Can we love our enemies?

“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” Matthew 5:43-45a.