Turning the Other Cheek

Good morning, church! Today we are going to discuss one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus: the call to "turn the other cheek".

When someone wrongs us, our natural instinct is often to react—whether that’s through anger, revenge, or harsh words. We want to defend ourselves, right a wrong, and make the person who hurt us feel the weight of their actions. But in Matthew 5:39, Jesus teaches us something radically different. He says:

"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."

This is a powerful, profound command, and it can be difficult to understand. Why would Jesus ask us to respond with humility instead of defending ourselves or retaliating? Today, I want us to explore what it means to turn the other cheek, and why this command is essential for us as followers of Christ.

The Context of Jesus' Teaching

To understand the command, we must first look at the context of Jesus’ words. He was speaking during the Sermon on the Mount—a time when Jesus was radically reinterpreting the law and giving His followers the principles of the Kingdom of God. Jesus wasn't merely concerned with external behavior but also with the internal condition of our hearts.

In the passage where He says, “turn the other cheek,” Jesus is responding to the common belief that one should seek revenge or retaliation when wronged. The Old Testament allowed for "an eye for an eye" (Leviticus 24:20), which was a principle meant to ensure justice and limit vengeance. But Jesus is saying that His followers should not only live justly but also with mercy and forgiveness.

Jesus calls us to reflect the character of God, who does not repay evil with evil but rather offers grace and mercy to the undeserving. To turn the other cheek is to demonstrate a radical response that contradicts the world’s view of justice and retaliation.

Turning the Other Cheek: A Call to Non-Retaliation

Let’s be clear—Jesus is not advocating for passivity or being a doormat. He’s not saying that we should never stand up for ourselves or allow abuse. The command to turn the other cheek is about refusing to retaliate in the face of offense. It’s about choosing grace over revenge.

When someone slaps you on the cheek, it’s a personal insult—a sign of disrespect. In the culture of Jesus’ time, a slap on the right cheek would often be with the back of the hand, symbolizing shame. So, the action of turning the other cheek is a bold, almost defiant choice. Instead of escalating the situation with anger or revenge, you respond with dignity and grace, refusing to engage in the cycle of violence and retaliation.

Why is this so important? Because our world operates on the principle of "an eye for an eye," where people repay evil with evil. But as Christians, we are called to reflect God’s kingdom, where mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13). When we respond with grace and forgiveness, we break the cycle of vengeance and demonstrate the love of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

Turning the Other Cheek: A Witness to the World

Turning the other cheek isn’t just about personal peace. It’s a powerful witness to the world. Jesus calls us to be light in a dark world, to show the world a different way of living—one that doesn’t follow the norms of society but reflects the kingdom of God.

In Romans 12:17-21, Paul echoes Jesus' teaching when he says:

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.'”

The world expects us to retaliate, to stand up for our rights, to be offended and to strike back. But when we choose to turn the other cheek, we reflect Christ in a profound way. We show the world that there is another way—the way of love, forgiveness, and humility. This is a powerful testimony that can lead others to Christ. Non-retaliation isn’t weakness; it’s a strength that points to God’s grace and goodness.

Turning the Other Cheek: Healing the Heart

There’s something deeply spiritual about choosing to forgive instead of seeking revenge. When we hold onto anger, bitterness, and the desire for retaliation, it eats away at our hearts. It can make us become cynical, hard, and full of resentment. But when we choose to forgive and let go, we open our hearts to healing.

Forgiveness is not about condoning the wrongdoing, nor is it saying that what the person did is acceptable. Forgiveness is about releasing the control that the offense has over our hearts. When we forgive, we free ourselves from the bitterness and pain that can fester inside of us. It’s about healing and allowing God to deal with the injustice, instead of taking matters into our own hands.

Jesus, on the cross, exemplified this when He said:

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

Despite the pain and injustice He suffered, Jesus chose forgiveness, and in doing so, He showed us that forgiveness is the path to freedom. When we turn the other cheek, we free ourselves from the chains of anger and vengeance.

Turning the Other Cheek: Reflecting the Nature of Christ

Ultimately, when we turn the other cheek, we are reflecting the very nature of Christ. Jesus endured humiliation, pain, and suffering, yet He did not retaliate. He could have called down legions of angels to defend Him, but instead, He chose to suffer for the sake of the world.

In 1 Peter 2:23, we are reminded of Jesus’ response to suffering:

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

As Christians, we are called to be Christ-like in every area of our lives. And when we choose to turn the other cheek, we reflect the heart of our Savior. We are not just following a command; we are becoming more like Him, who bore our sins on the cross with love, forgiveness, and grace.

Conclusion

Church, turning the other cheek is not easy. It requires humility, strength, and faith. But it’s also one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate God’s love and to break the cycle of hurt in our world. We don’t have to retaliate, because God has promised to handle the injustices in this world. When we forgive, we free our hearts and reflect the love of Christ to a hurting world.

As you go out this week, I encourage you to think about the ways you’ve been wronged or hurt. In those moments, instead of reacting in anger, choose to turn the other cheek—not because it’s easy, but because it’s the way of Christ. You’ll find peace, healing, and a closer relationship with God as you choose to walk in His grace.

Let’s pray,

Father, Thank You for Your incredible example of love and forgiveness. We confess that it is difficult to turn the other cheek when we have been hurt, but we know that You have called us to live a life of mercy and grace. Help us to release anger and bitterness and to trust in Your justice. May we reflect Your heart of forgiveness to those around us, breaking the cycle of retaliation and showing the world a better way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.