Turn The Other Cheek

-August 10, 2022-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

“But I tell you you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also.”

(Matthew 5:39).

Jesus was a great teacher, but more than that He was the Son of God. He taught and lived the law of love. He taught us to forgive others who wrong us up to 490 times. The standard we must use is how much He has forgiven us. Whenever we have wronged someone, we must go to them and ask for forgiveness, and whenever someone has wronged us, we must go to them and forgive them. It is always the responsibility of the believer in Christ to initiate the reconciliation.

There is never room for grudges, retaliation, vengeance, or revenge. The law of love must always prevail. Jesus told us to love our neighbor as ourselves. We aren’t to resist an evil person but pray for them. If someone slaps us in the right cheek, we are to turn the other cheek also. Paul wrote in Romans 12:17-21, “Repay no one evil for for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all things. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

By God’s grace we can overcome evil with good and return good to someone instead of evil. Our old nature wants to fight, but our new nature wants to love, heal, and forgive. At the 94th Academy Awards ceremony on March 27, 2022, actor Will Smith violently slapped host and comedian, Chris Rock on stage for insulting his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head, which she had been shaving since 2021 due to alopecia areata. It caused an immediate uproar and went virol, in spite of the network switching it off from its live coverage. Since, Smith has apologized to Rock but was given a ten -year suspension from the Academy events effective April 8, 2022. It has been called “the slap that was heard round the world.” There were no arrests or charges filed in the case.

For us, we must behave like Christians, be an example of love, forgiveness, reconciliation and toward all. Jesus said, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). It is never easy, but it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Our kids, spouses, other family members, friends, co-workers, and everyone else is watching us. The world always wants to find fault with Christians.

Have a blessed day walking in the love of Christ and turning the other cheek. Stay safe and healthy.

By the abundant grace of God,

Dean