Matthew 5:39
But I tell you not to resist evil. On the contrary, whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two.
Evil is a reality that you will not escape until death, and only then if you have trusted in the Lord’s salvation. It can come to you in the form of temptation, guilt, insult or harm. The hardest of these are the personal attacks you receive from others. It is here that Christians most often “lose their witness.”
How do you respond to negative situations? Jesus commands His followers to turn the other cheek when struck, to give all when little is taken, and to go the extra mile when forced to do another’s work. Why would the Lord command you to do something that so apparently degrades who you are? Does He intend for you to go through life being rolled over by anyone who spots your weakness? Of course not, but that doesn’t change how He commands you to respond. In fact, a little study actually reveals great wisdom behind His instruction.
Do not repay evil for evil. You’ve heard it said before: “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Here’s the deal. You have been placed on this earth to bring glory to the Father. Any time you step outside of His perfection, the glory of God is replaced by the evil you do. On the other hand, Romans 12:20 reminds us that showing kindness to your enemy is like piling “burning coals on his head.” So, when Jesus asks you to “turn the other cheek,” He isn’t out to inflict as much pain on you as He can, His purpose is to bring as much glory to the Father as possible. This ultimate goal is worth even the discomfort of His children… and that includes you. The question is, will you seek the Father’s glory, or your own comfort?