Turning the Other Cheek
In CCF Bible Study this past Friday we looked into Luke 6:27-38 to gain a better understanding of the model of love Christ teached and practiced. The passage offers much wisdom with philosophies which conflict very much with worldly perspectives. Many groups found themselves debating over the meaning of “turning the other cheek”: framed perhaps in the balance of love and strength… wondering whether or not we are to be spineless.
27″But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. [...restofpassage...]
For comparison here is a related passage:
38″You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Given Christ’s teaching and the new covenant we have in Him I don’t think we are to follow the “eye for an eye” philosophy at all anymore (if we even understand the original true meaning of it anyway).
As regards the meaning of the verses on turning the other cheek, C.S. Lewis points out three interpretations people usually take (only the last of which he believes in).
- Submit to whatever wrongdoing and injustice with no resistance.
- The verses are literary hyperboles and really mean for us to be very tolerant of things and to put up with a lot.
- That the verse refers to common day injuries by another against myself and is not a matter of importance outside of the two of us (e.g. it is not a social injustice). And more importantly, its ultimate meaning for us to watch our own heart carefully and not succumb to vengeful thoughts in retaliation. Such an understanding is made more clear by the juxtaposition provided in the Matthew verse. The passage is not a sweeping generalization and does not ask us to do nothing about wrongdoings of others. Prudent and firm action can and should be taken against evil and injustice, but weighed carefully to ensure it is not vengeance-driven.
Too many Christians have grown up misdirected by the general atmosphere of the church to be “nice people”, thinking that is what it means to be good people. To be nice, polite, follow the rules, have a good heart, and not stir the pot. This is not the whole and accurate picture. This is not the way Christ lived His life on earth. By this I am primarily referring to the focus on this stereotypically “goody-two-shoes” image and the lack of courage and voice to stir the pot when things get sticky. Probably this is not so much due to a lack of courage but a misunderstanding arising from the passages above.
Hate what is evil and cling to what is good. Stand firm and be strong.
Jesus took action. He was both quiet and outspoken. Jesus was no pacifist. He overturned the tables of exploiters in the temple. It’s just that He did it with the right motivation.