Turning the Other Cheek

The scriptures are maligned when removed from their immediate context.  When the Bible is reduced to cliches, the original meaning is lost and replaced with assumptions and misconceptions of flawed people.  Take the now-cliche phrase, "Turn the other cheek."  The modern interpretation of this statement of Jesus is to be passive and avoid confrontation, to simply take personal attacks and say:  "Thank you - may I have another?"  Others have used this verse to encourage others to willingly remain in abusive or dangerous situations.  These interpretations misrepresent what Jesus is saying.

In the Law of Moses, people had the right of retribution (Lev. 24:17-20).  The Law provided protection for the innocent and provided limits on punishing wrongdoers so the "punishment fit the crime."  Jesus said in Matthew 5:38-39, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' ³⁹  But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also."  Instead of urging people to press their legal rights to the full extent in punishing wrongdoers, Jesus told His followers not to return in kind.  Under the Law if someone accidentally gouged out your eye, you could take them to law and have their eye gouged out too.  There was no requirement a victim needed to force the other to lose an eye.  Jesus commanded His followers to not use law to take revenge on others, for vengeance is the LORD's and He will repay.  There is nothing passive about "turning the other cheek."  We are to actively trust God's protection and power over our lives more than pressing our legal rights in court.  Instead of vigorously defending or standing up for self, we can stand strong in faith of God who loves us.

Jesus continued in Matthew 5:40-42, "If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. ⁴¹  And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two."  Those who followed Jesus were to be characterised by humility before God and men, not demanding retribution or seeking revenge.  Christians are called to overcome evil with good.  "Kill them with kindness," the world says, but this focuses on my effort instead of viewing the situation through the Gospel and all Jesus has done for me.  I can entrust my clothing and time to God's control and go far beyond what the world would say is "reasonable."  We are benefactors of God's grace and should extend the same to others - even if the world deems them undeserving.  That's exactly what grace is, right?

Paul spoke on the same theme in Romans 12:17-19:  "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. ¹⁸  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord."  When we receive the equivalent of a slap to the face, we have a choice if we will return in like manner.  If harsh words are spoken to us, we do not need to avenge ourselves with harsh words of our own.  As we follow Jesus we will learn to actively submit to His will in our interactions with others, choosing the path of grace over forcefully demanding our rights.  If we are in Christ, our actions will follow His command in Matthew 5:44, "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..."  Instead of self-preservation, a follower of Jesus seeks how to love, bless, and do good to our enemies.  Our Saviour Jesus Christ has provided our example.