Editorial May 7, 1977 Issue

Healing Antagonism by Turning the Other Cheek

Naomi Price

Many people believe it's not very practical to turn the other cheek nowadays; they observe that it's seldom done even by professing Christians. Some maintain it puts one at a disadvantage and is a sign of weakness to act so mildly toward individuals who would do us harm. Yet Christ Jesus explained that this uncomplaining response to people who attack us is a requirement of the Christly life. He said, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matt. 5:38,39;

Retaliation, revenge, self-justification, attempts to get even with someone who has done us wrong, are definitely not in accord with Christian practice. This does not mean that we are to meekly tolerate abuse, injustice, mental or physical injury, or persecution. The Master established for his immediate followers an orderly three-step procedure for dealing with fellow Christians who attempted to injure them—a procedure that is equally practical for us to follow today. First he said, "If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone." 18:15;

One would hope that by airing a grievance confidentially in this way, the fault thereby exposed would be quickly recognized and corrected. But if it is not, one can take the second step outlined by Christ Jesus: produce one or two witnesses to support the complaint. After this, if the problem still persists, there is yet a third step open: bring the matter to the proper authorities of the church for official corrective action.

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