Journal 2021

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. (Matthew 5:39 ESV)

Whenever I read this verse, I pictured a non-retaliatory response—a martyr passively submitting to bullies and taking abuse uncomplainingly. “Go the extra mile” or “give him your cloak as well” meant actively showing that you’re made of better stuff than the controlling person in your life. And so I’m intrigued with the following interpretation. See what you think.

A slap on a person’s right cheek meant the abuser was using the BACK of his right hand—an insult. “Turning the other cheek” called out the abuser: If you’re going to hurt me, do it like man-to-man, using the FRONT of your hand (which would land on my left cheek), not like a master hitting his slave.

If you take my cloak, I’ll give up my undergarment, too, and stand semi-naked. It will show up your cruelty.

The law stated a soldier could require a civilian to help carry his gear for one mile. If I offer to walk a second mile, the soldier will protest, or he’d get into trouble. My act shows up the injustice.

Either way you interpret these verses, it takes courage and grace not to retaliate.