But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. – Matthew 5:39
Allow me to comment about the “slap” that Jesus says we should endure. Here Jesus is speaking about personal slights of any kind. The slap (or the “smiting,” as the KJV has it) does not necessarily have to involve physical violence.
Even in our day, a “slap in the face” is a metaphor for an unexpected insult or offense. So, did someone insult you? Go ahead and let him, Jesus says. Turning the other cheek does not imply pacifism, nor does it mean we place ourselves or others in danger. Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek is simply a command to forgo retaliation for personal offenses
The truth in this verse is simply this, that the disciple of Christ Jesus, when he or she has suffered wrong, is to remove from his or her motive the natural desire to retaliate or accuse.
“Suffer any injury that can be borne, for the sake of peace, committing your concerns to the Lord’s keeping. And the sum of all is, that Christians must avoid disputing and striving.” – Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Photo by Ana Municio on Unsplash
