Turn the Other Cheek...

You’ve heard the phrase “turn the other cheek”, haven’t you? What exactly does it mean? I think there are two sides to this statement. First, is the unnaturalness if it. I mean who is willing to not fight back when someone is striking you? Our nature is to defend. So when this statement is spoken by Jesus, I’m pretty sure it’s in regards to the impossibility of it to do on our own. It’s upping the game of “religiousity”. The second possibility could be the actual outcome of the action. I mean, what purpose does someone have to continue to beat up someone who is not fighting back? Who continues to beat a dead horse? He’s not going to get up and let you ride him if he’s dead, right? Once a person turns the other cheek, it diffuses the aggressor’s motivation to continue to press forward. It’s like taking the wind out of their sail. The other thing it does in this regard is that it pricks the conscience. It stimulates the thought of, “they’re not fighting back, there must be a reason. Maybe I’m wrong in my motive? This isn’t right.” It stirs up the soul, usually rendering a guilty verdict. The next time you hear or even put into practice the saying “turn the other cheek”, think about it’s meaning. Selflessness and doing good to others may affect them in ways you could never imagine. And it’s only possible because of God working through you, accomplishing His will.

21 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.22 You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25:21-22