Turn the Other Cheek
Have you ever had to mentally wrestle with something that just does not seem to make sense? When someone wrongs you what are you supposed to do?
Some cultures have regressed into an endless cycle of revenge. You stole a cow from me. I will discover a way to steal two from you. That is the issue. Revenge involves getting even plus one. It escalates. I have lived in cultures like that. Disputes are not settled in a court of law but through retribution.
Before we get to the point of seeking retribution for a wrong, we need to realize we have done many things wrong in our own lives that are deserving of payback. I sure am glad Jesus does not seek to get even with me. That would make my days very miserable.
Jesus does seem to set an impossible standard for revenge. Injustice hurts. On earth Jesus does not want His followers to engage in endless cycles of getting even. That would be ugly and a poor witness of the transforming power of Jesus in one’s life. “Turn the Other Cheek” is Jesus’ way of setting a different standard for His followers. What is the standard, refusing to go down the road of “pay back.” Trust God. If “pay back” is called for, God is much better at it.
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Matthew 5:39 NIV
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