TURN THE OTHER CHEEK

Perhaps the most misunderstood passage of all scripture: “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Matthew 5) This is not an admonition to accept abuse!  Just the opposite.  It is an admonition to take charge of one’s own life.

If I hit you (insults are probably the most common form of “hitting”) I am defining you as an enemy.  If you hit me back, you are agreeing, “I am your enemy.”  You are letting me define you in relation to me.  You are giving me power over you.

But if you do not retaliate, you are saying, “Wait a minute.  I’m not your enemy.  I’m not your enemy.”   You are defining yourself in relation to me, rather than letting me define you.  You are taking charge of your life.