Turn the Other Cheek

Introduction

Jesus has some teachings that are difficult and hard for us to put into practice.

Warning: Jesus’ teachings even push people away. [People who say “we need to preach Jesus” as if that were the solution to having great numbers of people coming to church have more that they need to learn about Jesus.]

Several of Jesus’ teachings that are most memorable and difficult are found in the Sermon on the Mount.

Of those teachings, “turn the other cheek” is one that has been misused and misunderstood by many people. Let’s examine what Jesus meant in Matthew 5.

Turn the Other Cheek: Context & Meaning

Jesus discusses punishment, retribution, and vengeance - Matthew 5:38

The Old Testament taught “an eye for an eye” for justice and accountability on an institutional, governmental level - Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21

Yet that was never intended to give authority for individuals to seek retribution for themselves on a personal, individual level - Matthew 5:39

Personally, citizens of the kingdom of God are called to suffer and even endure evil; kingdom citizens are not called to take justice into their own hand - Matthew 5:7, 10-11

In the broader context, Jesus calls for His disciples to not only turn the other cheek (and be willing to suffer wrong), but to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you - Matthew 5:43-44

Some people take Jesus’ teachings and apply them in a way that Jesus never intended.

Jesus is not a pacifist. His teaching about “turning the other cheek” is not His opposition to self-defense, capital punishment, or war.

There are differences between insults and assaults (killing sprees) and there is a difference between persecution and being a victim.

Jesus is not saying that you have endure physical abuse with no line of defense.

“Turn the other cheek” is an admonition to suffering the loss of honor and not retaliating against others for personal gain and satisfaction.

Jesus does not teach against capital punishment. The context is about suffering personal injury, not societal accountability - cf. Romans 13:1-4, esp. v 4

Jesus encourages us to pray for our enemies, but this also does not mean that it is wrong for us to want our enemies to be held accountable by God (e.g., imprecatory psalms) - cf. Psalm 69:24

Vengeance and divine judgment is God’s responsibility; not ours.

Jesus does not teach against rebuking those who sin against us.

Having a love for our neighbor does not ignore the fact that people must be held accountable.

We might be saddened when people transgress God’s commands.

We might suffer insults because of their actions.

Our feelings may be hurt and we may be disappointed — and Jesus does not want us to retaliate and take vengeance into our hands — but holding someone accountable and offering rebuke and warning is still necessary.

Rebuke is not personal retaliation. Rebuke is borne out of love - Mark 10:17-21

Jesus’ love for this man caused him to tell him that he still lacked something that he needed - Mark 10:21

Jesus teaches us to “turn the other cheek” and not seek retaliation and personal vengeance. Jesus teaches us that we must be willing to endure suffering, pain, and hurt. But how do we do that?

Well, it’s not always easy...

Let’s look at three ways we can put Jesus’ message into application.

Turn the Other Cheek: Application

Think before you speak

Our words can cause irreparable damage in our relationships - Galatians 5:15

Our complaining can show little regard for the work of others in their service to the Lord - Philippians 2:14

Our words defile us because our heart is impure and unclean - Matthew 15:18

Don’t let your emotions control you

Emotions are tricky and much more closely related than we realize sometimes. The distinction between anger and sadness is blurred. Love, jealousy, rage, disappointment, frustration, stress, and betrayal are all emotions that we can shift between very easily without even thinking about it.

One of the worst things that we could do is ignore our emotions. We need to be able to feel if we want to think clearly. Our brains are hardwired that way. There is a relationship between our thoughts and emotions. Our emotions are often times the impetus for what we say and how we behave. We should listen to our feelings, but our emotions should not control us.

Outbursts of anger are condemned in the works of the flesh - Galatians 5:20

This does not mean anger is sinful - Ephesians 4:26

Jesus felt anger and indignation for those who were hard hearted - Mark 3:5

Anger might come from disappointment and hurt feelings — and anger is not wrong. Even acting in response to that anger is not wrong - John 2:13-17

Jesus’ anger was in response to ungodly behavior. But his anger was under His control. He was not lashing out uncontrollably in vengeance and jealousy. His actions were a calculated response to get the Jews to repent and believe in Him.

While anger is not sinful in and of itself, we must exercise caution. We cannot allow our emotions to control us. Christians must never let their emotions control them. We must have control of our heart — our mind and emotions.

Self-control is one of the fruit of the Spirit that all Christians are expected to produce in their lives - Galatians 5:23

Learn to endure hardship and painful things

Citizens of God’s kingdom will have to learn to endure and overcome strife, insults, and persecution - Matthew 5:9-11

Tribulations are part of being in the kingdom of God - Acts 14:22

Godly living is associated with persecution - 2 Timothy 3:12

God does not prevent His children from suffering hardship and enduring pain, even at the hands of fellow Christians.

The Bible shows us that disciples of Jesus Christ must learn to endure difficulties and insults.

Learning to live with these hardships and painful things means we have to come to have peace within ourselves that these difficulties will shape us and make us stronger and better - Romans 5:3-5

When Jesus encourages us to “turn the other cheek” and be willing to accept insult and pain, let us remember that we were once enemies with God - Romans 5:6, 8, 10

Conclusion

Retaliation and anger are difficult emotions to control, but Jesus expects us to practice self-discipline, patience, and self-control.

That begins with examining our heart, our emotions, our speech, and learning how to endure things that we may not like.

Jesus’ teachings hold us accountable and to a high standard, but they are not impossible.

Come to Jesus today!