This is one of the most quoted sayings of Jesus. It is also one of the most misunderstood.
"But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matthew 5:39
What Jesus is saying here is that when someone personally insults us, physically or verbally, as Christians we should endure the insult and be ready to receive another, not defend ourselves. In other words, as Christians we should not be concerned first and foremost about our feelings, our dignity, our honor, our reputation. All of these things are secondary to our witness and conduct for Christ. He calls us to put ourselves in the position of humility and servanthood for His glory. By our reaction, that is, our lack of reaction to personal affronts, we cause people to think deeply about why we don't respond in kind. Hopefully, they will realize it is not because we are cowards, but because we are Christians. As Jesus said shortly before this:
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Now having explained what this verse means, here is what it does not mean. It does not mean that we cannot or should not defend ourselves if we are physically attacked or assaulted. If someone breaks into my house and tries to harm me, I am allowed to defend myself. More importantly, we should defend our loved ones and those entrusted to our care. Turning the other cheek does not apply to people trying to physically harm us or those we have a responsibility to protect. This verse does not mean that one cannot own or use weapons. This verse does not speak to the issue of going to war. One cannot quote this verse as a proof text for pacifism. The issue of whether or not it is appropriate for Christians to ever fight in a war has to be settled by other scriptures.
The point of this verse is not that we should let others do whatever they want to us or to our loved ones, but in the case of personal insult, we should not defend ourselves.
That is not to say that some other brother or sister should not defend us against insult or accusation.This is where we as Christians need to stand up for one another. Each of us has the responsibility to "turn the other cheek", but we also have the responsibility to "love your neighbor" (Matthew 5:43), which includes standing up for brothers and sisters being unjustly accused or insulted. I am very thankful for the believers over the years who have spoken up for me when I could not speak for myself. If we all do what is right, Christ is honored and we will also take care of each other.
I appreciate your thoughts on this, Kirk, and the testimony you have provided in your life over the last few years. I can think of at least one situation where a person had 'attacked' you, and you responded with much grace and love.
ReplyDeleteYou described two reactions above - first, turning the other cheek, and second, defending yourself. How do you delineate when the second is appropriate, and is there a Biblical justification for that course of action. I feel like there is, but I am not familiar with it, and I often hear people say, "Well, that doesn't mean you can't defend yourself," but I'm not sure I've heard of a passasge or verse authorizing self-defense. I'd like to understand it better.
"As Christians we should not be concerned first and foremost about our feelings, our dignity, our honor, our reputation. All of these things are secondary to our witness and conduct for Christ. He calls us to put ourselves in the position of humility and servanthood for His glory."
ReplyDeleteWhat a great take home truth!
Thanks Pastor Kirk.