To Coin a Phrase

Jesus stated, "But whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also." If we do in fact get slapped in the face, are we to literally turn our heads and allow for another slap? I do not think that this is the case. This verse appears in a very familiar place in the Bible, Matthew chapter 5. This is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. Remember that during the sermon, Jesus is talking about the Law and the heart of God the Father behind the institutions of those laws. If you look at a woman with lust in your heart, you have already committed adultery. Not physically fornicating with that particular woman, rather a matter of the heart.

This verse is also often misquoted, it happens to be the second half of a verse. "But I tell you do not resist an evil person." Why preface the turning of the cheek with this statement? The best way to interpret the Bible is to allow the Bible to speak for itself. There are actually five other verses that go along with this verse.

“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.

And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away." Matthew 5:38-42 (NKJV)

It is about giving of ourselves in retribution. An eye for an eye (to coin another phrase). And not only that, but giving of ourselves solely because it is in our power to do so. Each verse is also inundated with a specific action: turn, let (allow) and go. If you are slapped, turn the other cheek; taking your tunic, give up your cloak; compelled to go one mile, go two miles. It is about giving more than is asked of us. these actions indicate that we have an active participation in our faith. Everyday we have to choose to turn, choose to allow, choose to go. The Lord is gracious in that He exhorts us to do these things and does not command. We also have a free will faith.

Finally, if you will notice, the set of verses ends in a negative. "Do not turn away." Everyone is included in these actions. To those of different faiths we are to turn the other cheek; to relatives who take from us we are to give more; to employers who compel us to work one extra hour we are to work two. Give up of ourselves without hesitation. A matter of the heart.

The heart is too powerful a muscle to be focused on revenge or retribution. It is specifically located in the center of the body supplying the entire body with life giving blood. Everyday we are in the center of our situations around those who need the blood of Christ. The the heart that gives, be the heart that supplies the world with the Life-Giving Blood of Jesus.