(Matthew 5:39 KJV) But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but
whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other
also.
There are certain teachings that are clear and yet complex. This is one of them. It is referred to, for obvious reasons, as turning the other cheek. It is a basic principle of the Christian life. It is routinely ignored. People who are total pacifists point to this as the reason. That is a long discussion, subject of books and college courses.
My concern today is manipulation of truth. Beware of your motivation. We don’t turn the other cheek because it “works.” It doesn’t. Sometimes we turn the other cheek hoping that it will make the other person feel guilty for their callus behavior. They don’t. Sometimes we turn the other cheek so that people will feel we are noble and humble. They won’t.
If often causes more rage than an angry response. It often generates more aggressive responses than it would simply standing up for your rights. You see, the pagan and Xian world hates the things of God. They are willing to destroy society simply to see the good fail. They rejoice in evil.
We are to have an attitude of forgiveness, grace and patience because it is the right thing to do, at least it is if you follow the Lord, Jesus Christ. Certain actions may “work.” Glorious. But that is not our motivation.
We are to be salt and light. Part of that is turning the other cheek.
homo unius libri
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.