Turning the other cheek

Turning the other cheek

How many times have we been wronged or slighted or hurt by those we consider to be friends? How many more times by acquaintances or even enemies. Jesus spoke about this too, in Matthew 18:21-22 “ Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

The trouble starts when we have to keep on forgiving again and again and again. We start to resent this continued abuse of our good nature. This is when we start to think about withholding our forgiveness. This is when we start to think about all the accumulated wrongs done to us. This is when we start to think about a payback. Once again the words of Jesus ring out loud and clear. About revenge, Jesus also says this in Matthew 5:38-40 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.”

I feel we are in most danger when we harbour unforgiveness and revenge in our hearts. This is clearly not a good thing. It is certainly not a proper Christian response to trouble or wrongdoing meted out to us for whatever reason. Paul says in Romans 12:17-21 NIV1984 “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. “

Finally we must also remember that Jesus also said this – in Matthew 6:14-15 “ For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” How can we expect to be forgiven, or healed, or restored, if we do not “forgive those who trespass against us”. God is always true to His own Word – if we don’t or won’t forgive others, then He will not, He cannot forgive us.

We must forgive.

We must never ‘repay’ an eye for an eye

These are God’s rules not ours.