Turn the other cheek: How to properly respond to aggression
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were the target of someone's aggression?
Maybe it was a heated argument with a friend, a coworker's belittling remarks, or even an encounter with a stranger on the street that quickly escalated into hostility.
Whatever the case, we've all experienced moments when aggression reared its ugly head in our lives.
Now, let's take a moment to reflect on a powerful verse from the Bible that provides guidance on dealing with aggression: Matthew 5:38-39.
In this verse, Jesus advises,
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' 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."
These timeless words urge us to consider an alternative approach when confronted with aggression.
But how can we practically apply this advice in our daily lives? How do we turn the other cheek, not in weakness, but as an act of strength and understanding?
This article explores the meaning behind Jesus' teachings and to shed light on how we can properly respond to aggression in our interactions with others.
The Sermon on the Mount
Jesus, amidst His travels near the tranquil Sea of Galilee, gathers His devoted disciples.
Ascending a mountainside, He positions Himself to address His inner circle. Meanwhile, the eager crowd finds spots along the hillside, eager to catch every word from their Master's lips.
This momentous occasion marks the beginning of the renowned Sermon on the Mount.
It is an extensive discourse that lays out the profound principles of living as a true follower of Christ and serving within God's Kingdom.
Within this comprehensive sermon, Jesus touches upon a myriad of subjects central to the Christian life. He delves into prayer, justice, compassion for the less fortunate, religious adherence, divorce, fasting, judgment, salvation, and much more.
Among these teachings is a remarkable lesson on responding to aggression with an unexpected gesture – turning the other cheek.
Turning the other cheek
As we explore the verse and its implications, there are three key points that you should keep in mind. These are the following.
Do not return insult for insult
When Jesus speaks of enduring a "slap," He uses this metaphor to represent any form of offense or hurtful words, whether physical or emotional. It could be an unexpected insult, a hurtful remark, or an act of aggression.
His point is clear: we should not repay evil with evil or seek revenge when wronged.
Rather, we should embrace a higher standard of conduct. It should be one that reflects the purity of heart and the depth of compassion that Jesus exemplified throughout His life.
By turning the other cheek, Jesus encourages us to break the cycle of hostility and respond to negativity with grace and understanding.
This doesn't mean becoming a doormat or accepting abuse. Rather, it empowers us to rise above the negativity and to exemplify a strength that comes from love, not from retaliation.
Non-violent retaliation
In the historical context, protecting one's honor often meant engaging in duels or violent confrontations with those who slandered or disrespected them.
People would resort to swords, firearms, or other weapons. This led to senseless bloodshed and loss of lives.
However, Jesus challenges this approach and offers a better alternative in Matthew 5:38.
He advises us to turn the other cheek, a non-violent response to personal offenses.
This doesn't imply being passive or putting ourselves or others in danger. Rather, it urges us to engage in a more compassionate and peaceful course of action. By choosing not to engage in violent retaliation, we can prevent unnecessary harm and conflict.
Challenge aggression
When examining Jesus' instruction to turn the other cheek, it's essential to consider the cultural context in which it was given. In some translations, Jesus refers to turning your left cheek after the right one is struck.
The right hand was seen as clean and respectable, while the left hand was reserved for menial and unclean tasks. Therefore, if someone were to strike your cheek, they would likely use their right hand to do so.
Jesus specifically mentions the right cheek being struck, indicating that it's not a mere barroom brawl punch but rather a backhanded slap.
This was a form of punishment, often seen between a master and a servant or a soldier and a civilian. It conveyed a message of superiority and control, expecting the person being slapped not to retaliate.
However, Jesus introduces a radical concept of resistance by turning the other cheek – an act of defiance.
By offering the left cheek, the person being slapped challenges the assailant to strike them with the left hand, effectively acknowledging the unclean nature of their actions.
It's a powerful call to break free from the chains of hostility and embrace a transformative force that challenges the very foundations of aggression.
How to respond to aggression in a nonviolent manner
If Jesus asked you as a Christian to turn the other cheek and forego retaliation but still actively resist, how should you proceed about it? Here are some ways how.
Speak up regarding what’s wrong
When faced with aggression, you can respond in a nonviolent manner by speaking up regarding what's wrong.
Instead of retaliating with anger, calmly express your concerns and objections to the aggressive behavior. Seek understanding and resolution through open communication.
For instance, in Matthew 23:13-36, Jesus delivers a series of woes or denunciations against the scribes and Pharisees, who were religious leaders at that time.
He condemns their hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and their tendency to burden the people with heavy rules and regulations while neglecting justice, mercy, and love.
Jesus boldly exposes their wrongdoings and calls them out for their harmful behavior, seeking to correct their ways and bring attention to the importance of genuine faith and righteous living.
Actively help others
Another way to respond nonviolently to aggression is by actively helping others.
By showing kindness and support to those who might be experiencing the same aggression, you can create a network of empathy and solidarity, promoting a culture of compassion and understanding.
Forgive and pray for the aggressor
In line with Jesus' teachings, forgiveness and prayer can be powerful nonviolent responses to aggression.
Rather than seeking revenge, choose to forgive the aggressor, freeing yourself from bitterness and resentment.
Moreover, pray for the aggressor's well-being and transformation, fostering a spirit of love even in challenging circumstances.
The most profound example of this is when Jesus forgave and prayed for His aggressors during His crucifixion.
As He hung on the cross, enduring immense suffering and humiliation, Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
Look to the perfect example
When you find yourself unsure of how to apply the teachings of Christian living, you can turn to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
This powerful message, delivered by Jesus to His disciples, contains essential principles for the Christian life.
But beyond His words, there is tremendous value in looking at how Jesus lived His life as an example.
His actions, compassion, and selflessness provide a blueprint for your Christian walk.
In every encounter, Jesus demonstrated unconditional love, forgiveness, and empathy, even when faced with adversity and aggression.
By following His example, you can learn how to navigate challenging situations with grace and understanding, responding to others with love and compassion.
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