Lent Day 19, Sunday, Mar 7, 2021

“I’ll turn the other cheek…Unless you swing first.”

One doesn’t need to be familiar with the Bible to recognize the old saying, “Turn the other cheek.” For two thousand years, we’ve been teaching it to our children while also trying to practice it ourselves. Is there any teaching more difficult than this one?

We struggle to take the high road and the road less traveled. When someone backs us into a corner, it’s common for Mama and Papa Bear to emerge as we resort to our basic instincts of self-preservation. We may not take the first swing, but we’ll sure take the next one!

Not sure if this applies to you? Have you ever been dishonored, misled, or manipulated? How did you react? Consider the last time someone insulted you or created a problem for your child. Or, has your special loved one ever hurt your feelings, or have you experienced conflict with a family member? If so, how did you respond? Did your response inflict pain on the other person?

It is extremely difficult to “Be the bigger man or woman” in every situation. It’s even more difficult to exhibit grace when the other person is demonstrating hostility. Sometimes, we can keep our reactions and outbursts under control and show love to others. Other times, we react in a manner as if we’ve never heard of, “Turning the other cheek.”

Today, let’s take a few moments to think about our “knee-jerk” responses directed at others. Do we always represent God, especially in the midst of conflict? It’s not easy to react gracefully during difficult situations, but we can do it!

Let’s “Turn the Other Cheek!”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you that you must not oppose those who want to hurt you. If people slap you on your right cheek, you must turn the left cheek to them as well.” (Matthew 5:38-39, CEB)