Turning the other cheek

Turning the other cheek

Scripture:

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 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. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:39-42

Observation:

Carrying on His very radical teaching, the Lord now teaches that even the seemingly logical law of an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth does not apply. Instead, there is the divine course of action of returning evil for good. Turning one’s cheek when slapped, giving someone your coat as well when he is suing you for your shirt, going two miles with someone who forces you to go one mile with them. At first glance, these teachings seem to defy logic.

Strangely, it took a non-Christian to show the world how truly powerful Jesus’ philosophy was. The great Gandhi brought the colonial government to its knees with simple non-violence yet with incredible patience and persistence.

Imagine if someone hit you on the cheek, and you just calmly turned your other cheek without retaliating. Or if someone sued you and you gave them more than they asked for. Indirectly, your righteous acts would put them to shame and put burning coals on their conscience as it were. In another sense, it also shows that as followers of Jesus, we should not be so taken up with the possessions of the world, or even our own pride.

Helping others who ask us for help also shows a generous heart that the Lord desires of His followers

Application:

Let us ask the Lord to show us our true heart, our selfishness and pride. Instead, ask the Lord to show us how we should follow commands such as these, impossible though they may seem to be. Pray for wisdom and guidance on how to walk by the Spirit according to these principles.

Prayer:

Praise thee Heavenly Father for You hold all things in Your hands. Bless You, Lord Jesus, for the great depth and wisdom of Your teachings, which are really divine, far above human thoughts and wisdom. Help me O Lord understand and apply Your teachings in my everyday life. Let me not become so entangled in possessions and pride that I do not honor Your name by my testimony. Bless You, dear Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.