Turn the Other Cheek

Matthew 5:38-39

You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

There have been so many times that I was talked about and judged. Actually, still talked about and judged. It used to really get to me. I used to feel like I had to defend myself all the time. It got to the point that it really weighed me down. All the negative comments started to push me further and further down to a level that I had no business being on.

There came a time when I finally realized the importance of turning the other cheek. Every time you respond to the nonsense and stoop down to the level of your enemies, you give them power over you. Retaliation is not the answer either. What does it pay any of us to retaliate? If we all decided to live by and eye for an eye, then this world would be even worse than it already is. Turning the other cheek, means being the bigger person. However, this is when it gets tough. In dealing with youth, I’ve learned that they always feel like it makes them soft to walk away. In fact, it makes you quite big. It takes a strong, mature, intelligent person to be able to turn the other cheek.

There have been so many times that I wanted to hit them right back where it hurts, but then that makes me just as ignorant as them. At this point in my life, it’s not worth it to me. I wish every young person could get an understanding of this. I wish parents would talk to their kids about this. I see so many student’s day after day who just haven’t grasped this concept yet. I do my best to instill it in them, so that it becomes something they began to do.

At the end of the day, talk about me, point the finger, judge me, say whatever you want. I could care less. I’m living my life my way, and on my own terms. My life may not be perfect, but it’s pretty amazing to me. I’m not where I want to be, but I know where I’m going will be great. I choose not to lower myself, just to try to go head to head with someone who doesn’t even deserve my attention. So I challenge you to make it a daily goal to turn the other cheek when your enemies come against you. It’s not worth your energy.