Turning the Other Cheek: A Path to Peace and Forgiveness in Matthew 5:38-39 (01/31/'24)

Turning the Other Cheek: A Path to Peace and Forgiveness in Matthew 5:38-39 In our interactions with others, even in passing, we might feel inclined to maintain a distance, perhaps acknowledging each other with a mere glance but not engaging further. In a society where distrust can run deep, akin to a place where half the populace seems as authoritative and formidable as police officers, approaching life with caution has become second nature. These figures, metaphorically described as 'tigers with smiling faces,' hold power that demands respect and careful behavior due to their potential for enforcement. However, living under such watchfulness, where even the innocent might feel compelled to flee at the slightest sign of threat, raises a question about the sustainability of a life governed by fear and defense mechanisms. The accumulation of means for self-protection, symbolized by the acquisition of more guns, might seem like a path to safety and comfort. Yet, it leads us to ponder the impact of such a mindset on our peace and freedom. Jesus presents a radically different approach in Matthew 5:38-39, challenging the retaliatory principle of 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' Instead, He advocates for non-resistance to evil, exemplified by the instruction to turn the other cheek if struck. This teaching invites us to reconsider our reactions to hostility and the cycles of violence and fear. It encourages a break from the instinct to retaliate or arm ourselves further, suggesting a path towards peace that lies in vulnerability and forgiveness rather than in the accumulation of power or weapons. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (January 31, 2024)