Because I follow a few college wrestling accounts on Twitter/X, the algorithm thinks I want to see other combat sports, primarily boxing and MMA. While I don't have an interest in these sports, it makes sense why Twitter occasionally feeds me posts about these competitions.
But sadly, the algorithm also thinks my interest in folkstyle and freestyle wrestling means I want to see fist fights that break out in public.
These videos break my heart. Sometimes, one or more of the persons involved seem to be under the influence of alcohol. Other times, one person is clearly being a bully. And some of the videos are evidence of road rage. But whatever the reason for a fight to break out, it usually means one or both of the participants view their opponent as lacking value or unworthy of love.
Yet, Jesus teaches us to approach such moments in a radically different way.
Allow the Second Slap
As we continue in our Punch in the Face blog series where we are getting "hit" by the shocking words of Jesus, we come to the topic of retaliation as taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:38-39, which says...
"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 the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.'" (Matthew 5:38-39, ESV)
What?!?! If someone slaps you, let them do it again? What is this craziness?!?
While some people in tense situations freeze or flee, the natural response of many is to give back what was given. So if someone extends a hand in kindness, we give back kindness. But if someone attacks with violence, we respond with matched intensity.
Yet, Jesus is calling us to do something that requires far more internal strength. He wants us to retaliate... with an offer for them to strike the other cheek as well!
Just a couple verses later, Jesus sums this up by saying...
"Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." (Matthew 5:42, ESV)
In these shocking words, Jesus isn't encouraging you to allow violence. Rather, He is calling you to generous living, even toward those who would seek to harm you in moments of anger. Why? Because such generosity is not only shocking, it is Christlike.
When He was mocked and attacked on the events leading up to Good Friday, Jesus did not retaliate nor defend Himself (Isaiah 53:7). If we are going to "live like Jesus lived," then we need to ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to remain calm in the face of violence like our Savior did.
Before I end, let me say that if you or someone you know finds themselves trapped in an abusive relationship, Jesus' words are not an encouragement to continue to allow such abuse. From a spiritual perspective, it is just as damaging to the soul of the abuser as it is to the body, mind, and heart of the abused when they engage in violence. So if you love the abuser, you will separate from them so that they cannot remain in their sin, and can hopefully find healing in Christ, so that they too might begin to "love like Jesus loved" and show respect to the image-bearers around them. If you have questions or concerns about a matter such as abuse, feel free to reach out to me via the website.
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