Q: Matthew 5:39 says, “Whosoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Does this mean Christians shouldn’t defend themselves?
Q: Matthew 5:39 says, “Whosoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Does this mean Christians shouldn’t defend themselves?
A: Excellent question! First of all, permit me to honor you for your due diligence of sacred scripture: meaning, you would be surprised at the number of Christians, who read passages, without giving serious study to the text, thus, draw an inadequate interpretation of the verse(s).
For example, Psalms 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Many interpret that verse to mean, whatever I want, God will give it to me! The verse is actually saying, delight yourself in the Lord, and He will put His desires for you, into your heart.
Let’s return to Matthew 5:39; our Lord (Himself) instructed His disciples, that the day will come, when you go out to preach the Gospel, you will also need to carry your sword to defend yourselves (Luke 22). [So, why would Jesus make that statement in light of Matthews 5:39?] Because the Matthew passage has a broader meaning: Here, Jesus is talking about NOT being a person of vengeance, or one of anger—wanting to inflict the appropriate justice on the person that caused you offense.
What Jesus is teaching in Matthew 5 is the forgiveness of the sin that your enemy inflicted upon you. He’s showing that we are growing more like God’s nature, when we are able to restrain from wanting to exact pain (punishment) to the person for their misbehavior.
Remember, the Bible says in Romans 12:19, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” saith the Lord.” God is saying, Continue to show them love, even in the midst of your trials/persecutions: and it will be like heaping coals of fire upon their head … meaning, the day will come when they will feel guilty for what they have done to YOU! Why, because God demands that we treat one another with mutual respect.
Comments (5)
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Reni Foutz
Thank you Man of God for your nuggets of knowledge!
Cyndi Greene
I like this Word! Many times in the heat of the situation we may forget to stop pause and remember to allow this Word to do its work in us! Thank you Jesus for your truth!
Charlotte Carter
Thank you for that wonderful teaching as usually it is very helpful to my Spirit, continue with your teaching May God give you more and more of his Wisdom Love you To Life.
Edwin Nhliziyo
I agree. He is teaching about attitude towards those who trespass against you. Forgive them 7 times 70.
Celeste Butler
Didn’t understand how important its to forgive someone …..because I myself carry heavy load of weights on my shoulders until I forgive. ….to God be the Glory I feel good. ….and able to shine and understand the work God has for me ..Good teaching….