“But I say to you, do not resist the wicked; but whoever bruises you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.”
(Matthew 5:39)
This biblical verse, like all the other teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, has been the subject of various interpretations. The context of the verse is personal revenge, fought by Jesus. At that time, hurting someone in the face was a form of assertion of authority, dominance over that person, assuming the aggressor was of a higher class than the one attacked. However, when the victim turned the other cheek, he was demanding equality.
In the face of outrage, injustice, the will of the flesh is to retaliate, hence it is important that the children of God (John 1:12) keep the spirit in control of situations, controlling their reactions when insulted or attacked, trusting that God will act on our behalf. Not surrendering to personal revenge, being wise in how to react to injustices, so that Jesus is glorified in all our actions and reactions.
We do not have self-righteousness (Romans 10:3-4), but rather the righteousness that comes from God, in Christ Jesus. Living fully in God's righteousness is recognizing that we don't deserve it, that it's all by God's grace (undeserved favor). In this perspective, the child of God (John 1:12), mature in faith, can fully enjoy life in Christ. God is love. (I Corinthians 13: 4-6)
Because, not having knowledge of God's righteousness, and desiring to give effect to their righteousness, they have not put themselves under the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who has faith.”
(Romans 10: 3-4)
“The love is patient, benign, the love does not burn with jealousy, does not pride itself, does not puff up, does not behave inappropriately, does not seek its interests, does not become angry, does not resent evil; does not rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth.”
( I Corinthians 13: 4-6)
Believe, and keep declaring these truths.
We are the righteousness of God in Christ.
Manoel Lúcio da Silva Neto is a master in Production Engineering (Media and Knowledge), and author of the book, Christology at your Reach, 2010.