Journey With Jesus 365Намуна

What does it mean to turn the other cheek?

In Jesus’ message to His newly chosen 12 disciples and the multitude that gathered with them, we find some of the most well-known and often quoted verses in the Bible, even by those who don’t claim the name of Christ. The first is the teaching of Jesus to “turn the other cheek”. Culturally at this time, a slap on the cheek was understood as an insult. This teaching is in direct contrast to our sinful human nature of wanting to seek revenge when wronged by others, rather than harboring resentment and seeking retaliation. In Matthew’s record, he elaborates further, referencing the sayings of “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” but rather to “turn the other cheek". Jesus also taught the principle of the “Golden Rule,” which is to do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. Last, and one of the most misunderstood portions of scripture, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged.” This is not a command of universal acceptance by Jesus. The truth here is unconditional love, not unconditional acceptance of any lifestyle or teaching.

Do we follow God’s plan of love? Though we will have enemies, we are to respond to them in love. This does not mean we should resist or defend against a physical attack, but to bless those who curse us. Treat others like we want to be treated, not easily offended, with a Christ-like love for others.