The man
The Other Cheek
What do you do when someone wrongs you?
But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:38-48 · Exodus 21:23-25 · Romans 12:17-21
The scene
The law had set a limit on retaliation.
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'"Matthew 5:38
Then Jesus tells us to give up retaliation. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn the other one too. Someone sues you for your coat? Let him have your cloak too, and if you're forced to go one mile, Jesus says go two.
Being wronged still matters. Jesus isn't telling you to be spineless here. He's telling you what not to do with the wrong: don't pay it back.
"Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you."Matthew 5:44
We struggle to love the people closest to us like that. Jesus tells us to love our enemies.
Paul would later put it another way:
"Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."Romans 12:21
The point
Repay no one evil for evil.Romans 12:17
Sit with this
Love your enemies.Matthew 5:44