"Turn the other cheek" is a well-known notion from Christian morality, although the exact phrase is slightly different in all translations of the Bible.
Bible Origin of "Turn the Other Cheek"
"Turn the other cheek" is a well-known notion from Christian morality, although the exact phrase is slightly different in all translations of the Bible. Nevertheless, the general concept comes primarily from Matthew 5:39.
Christ's teaching of non-retribution, when someone offends you personally, departed from the Old Testament teaching which is described in Matthew 5:38, "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'"
"Turn the other cheek" comes from the subsequent verse, Matthew 5:39, which says, "But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Ashley Hooker explained this Bible verse well, stating, "As Christians, we are going to face persecution. We may even get a slap in the face. What this verse tells us is that we are not to get revenge. We are not appointed to punish the people who wrong us. We are to love them and let God do with them what He will. God has the sole power to punish people who sin, not us."
This is connected to the New Testament teaching that "vengeance is the Lord's" which is found in Romans 12:19, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Turn the Other Cheek Meaning
In contrast to the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 19:21), Jesus warns us not to resist violence with more violence. Evil can only be overcome by good, which keeps us free from compromise with the devil and can bring our enemy under the yoke of God's love.
An early Christian of the desert once found his hut being robbed of its little possessions, and he knelt in the corner praying for the bandits. When they left, the monk realized they had not taken his walking stick. This monk then pursued them for many days until he was able to give them the stick as well. Seeing his humility, the bandits returned everything to him and were converted to Jesus Christ.
It is important to remember that this teaching of humility and compassion for those who wrong us personally, does not mean we idly watch our neighbors be afflicted or attacked. We are called as Christians to "lay down our lives" for our friends if needed to protect them from violence. "Turn the other cheek" does not equate to complete pacificism. We should fight against evil and promote the Truth of God by following the Commandments.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." ~ John 15:13
Vengeance is perfect and righteous judgment, which only God is capable of carrying out. Evil is overcome only by good, which the Son of God Himself demonstrated on the Cross and which believers are called to emulate.
Because the civil government is permitted and enabled by God, the Apostle Paul calls a civil authority "God's minister." They are responsible to protect those who are good and execute punishment on those who practice evil. Furthermore, they will be held accountable for their role of responsibility and the negligence or corruption therein.
Bible Verses Related to Matthew 5:39
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." ~ Matthew 5:38-40
To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. ~ Luke 6:29
He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. ~ Luke 22:36
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ~ Romans 12:19
For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. ~ Romans 13:4
Read More:
Why Did God Allow for ‘an Eye for an Eye’ in the Old Testament?
Be Still and Know That I Am God
Powerful Meaning of Reap What You Sow
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