Week 338

Positive post Sunday, August 20, 2023- Week 338. 

Last week I wrote about the abundant mercy our Lord has for us and the importance of paying it forward by forgiving those who have wronged us.  Similarly, in my Positive post Sunday, July 23, 2023…. Week 334, I also referenced “Turning the other cheek”.

The saying “Turn the other cheek” has always intrigued me, as I believe it is often misunderstood to mean no matter what someone does to us, we should look the other way.  Or on the flipside, there’s Charles Barkley’s understanding.  Charles has been quoted as saying, “People always say turn the other cheek. If you turn the other cheek, I’m gonna hit you in the other cheek too.”

I respectfully rejected these 2 extreme understandings and sought a deeper understanding from a higher authority, our Lord.  You may be surprised to know that turning the other cheek is referenced in the greatest book of all time, the Bible.  In Matthew 5:39, we read, “But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.”  And, in Luke 6:29, “To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic.”  

On the surface, one might interpret these verses as suggesting that no matter what someone does to us, we should always look the other way.  I don’t share that understanding and believe that the deeper meaning is that we should forgive and pray for those who have wronged us and give the burden of reckoning and judgement to God.  I’m the first to admit that this is often easier said than done and can take a great deal of strength, patience, restraint, discipline and often humility.  But I also recognize it’s the right thing to do.  With the grace of God and prayer, we can make a difference by loving those who have wronged us while standing up for our beliefs and maintaining our values.  Giving the burden of reckoning and judgement up to God can be empowering, taking the weight off our shoulders, and allowing us to focus on reconciliation.

While researching this, I found an insightful article from Ashley Hooker, a contributing author for Journey Christian magazine titled, What Christians Get Wrong about ‘Turn the Other Cheek’.  I encourage you to read it.  Here is the link

A few takeaways:

• Christians are called to respond when we or someone is hurting, not just stand back.
• Respond by sharing the Gospel and praying for our enemies with love.
• Put on the armor of God and fight evil, not for personal gain but for the glory of God.
• Practice self-protection without a desire for personal revenge.
• Revenge, retaliation, and retribution are a part of our sinful nature.
• God has the sole power to punish people who sin, not us.

One final thought.  I used to say “karma” when I saw someone suffer a consequence after they had wronged someone else.  Some consequences seem to happen right away while others take time.  I no longer think of it as Karma, but rather our Lord acting on the burden we lifted up to Him at the time He desires.  As noted in Romans 12:19, “Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

What is your understanding of “Turn the other cheek”?

How do you respond when you or someone else is wronged?