Joy Wasted with KB Dickey

So, just recently I was riding on the highway to work, and this car was tailing me so close that the driver might as well have been sitting in my back seat. He was trying to intimidate me into moving to another lane and getting out his way although he had plenty of room to go around. He would rather get the satisfaction of making me move instead. The younger me would have stood my ground and said, “I’m not moving anywhere. Just go around.” The older me knows better. It’s not worth the 2 seconds of negative energy to entertain such foolishness. So, I just moved over although I was annoyed.

But then something really interesting happened. The same driver tailed the next lady the same way, but she refused to move over. Eventually, the inconsiderate driver got over in the adjacent lane and immediately jumped back over in front of the lady’s car to retaliate. Watching that made me even more annoyed and angry. I felt the injustice done to her. I noticed that it bothered me more when it was happening to her than me.

So, the question is, do we not resist evil or resist evil? Matthew 5:39-41 gives a great example of what Jesus said to do. And I tell you, turning the other cheek is an act of obedience to these principles because it is hard to do at times.

Turning the other cheek isn’t about weakness; it’s about strength. It’s about exercising self-control in the face of provocation. It’s a deliberate choice to respond with humility and forgiveness rather than retaliation. When someone slaps you on one cheek, offering the other cheek signifies a willingness to endure further insult without seeking revenge. It’s a powerful stance that disarms aggression and promotes peace.

In situations like the one I experienced on the highway, turning the other cheek could mean choosing not to escalate the conflict. It’s recognizing that engaging in a battle of egos or responding with anger only perpetuates negativity. Instead, it’s about maintaining composure, letting go of pride, and focusing on what truly matters.

Forgiveness and humility play a significant role in this process. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning the other person’s behavior; it means freeing yourself from the burden of anger and resentment. It’s a gift you give yourself, allowing you to move forward without being weighed down by negative emotions.

Humility, on the other hand, is a strength that comes from acknowledging our own imperfections and limitations. It’s about recognizing that we’re all human, prone to mistakes and moments of weakness. By embracing humility, we become more empathetic and understanding towards others, even those who may wrong us.

So, next time you’re faced with a situation that tests your patience and self-control, remember the wisdom of turning the other cheek. It’s not about being passive; it’s about choosing a higher path—one guided by principles of love, forgiveness, and peace.

Study notes: In Matthew 5:39-41, Jesus addresses the principle of non-retaliation and turning the other cheek. Here’s a breakdown of these verses:

Matthew 5:39: “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.”

Here, Jesus advises not to respond aggressively or with vengeance when faced with evil or hostility. Instead, he suggests responding with patience and forgiveness, even in the face of physical harm (symbolized by the slap on the cheek).

Matthew 5:40: “And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.”

Jesus extends this principle to legal disputes, encouraging his followers to go beyond what is demanded or expected. In this context, giving up one’s cloak along with the tunic shows a willingness to be generous and not to hold onto material possessions at the cost of peace and reconciliation.

Matthew 5:41: “And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”

This statement refers to the Roman practice of compelling civilians to carry a soldier’s gear for one mile, a practice despised by many. Jesus advises going beyond the required distance voluntarily, demonstrating a spirit of service and humility.

In summary, these verses teach about responding to adversity and conflict with a spirit of non-violence, generosity, and willingness to go above and beyond what is expected, reflecting Jesus’ teachings on love, forgiveness, and turning away from retaliation.