Two of the most difficult situations we encounter are threats to our reputation and being expected to fulfill duties that we believe are unjust.
Jesus called his followers to be “salt and light” in the world (Matthew 5.13-15). One of the most impactful ways we can live up to this calling is by our response to injustice. Our actions can both season and bring light to darkness.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
“But I say to you: Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also,
“And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give your coat as well, and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.
“Give to the one who asks of you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5.38-42).
Turn the Other Cheek
Rather than retaliating when wronged, Jesus said that turning the other cheek would best exemplify his character.
We believe Jesus lived the most exemplary life possible, setting the best example for how we should live. Even when humanity inflicted the worst treatment imaginable upon him, this is how he responded.
He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23.34).
Grasping Jesus’ teachings, Paul advised the Corinthian church to practice forgiveness instead of holding a grudge against someone who had wronged them.
Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? (1 Corinthians 6.7).
Available Rather than Burdened
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus embodies his teachings perfectly. While it was not necessary to give his coat, they took all of Jesus’ clothes to inflict further pain with the Roman whip.
Similarly, while Simon the Cyrenian was forced to carry his cross, Jesus carried the weight of the world’s sins with his sacrifice.
Through his suffering and death, he offered everything to us and withheld nothing. He bore the burden of our sins, exemplifying profound selfless giving.
I often use Dallas Willard’s term for discipleship as living a Jesus-kind-of-life. If we want to live a Jesus-kind-of-life, how do we incorporate Jesus’ response to unjust treatment and insults into our own lives?
I believe the best way to achieve this is by maintaining constant communication with the Holy Spirit and promptly obeying and responding to His guidance.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It’s on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 