The other cheek

CS Lewis said, 'Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.' When we refuse to forgive a person who has hurt us, we may feel like we're powerful. But it's a false power. Unforgiveness is like sipping poison and expecting someone else to die. Jesus puts the focus squarely on us: how we're going to deal with the hurt. In Matthew 5:39 NLT, he says 'If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.' That's massively challenging. And the attitude Jesus is talking about here is extremely counter-cultural.

When we have negative words spoken to us, let's test them. If there is any truth in them, our job is to take that truth on board and allow what's been said to change us for better. If there is no truth in them, let's not hold to the words, but brush them off and show grace to whoever hurt us (that's where turning the other cheek comes in).

It's not our job to control other people and their responses - it's our job to control and manage our own emotional health. When we're next wronged by someone, let's not retaliate or hold onto anger or resentfulness, but show the other cheek by offering forgiveness and letting go of the offence.



So what now? Is there someone you're finding hard to forgive? Slowly, carefully, bring them before God. Slowly: obviously, it can't be rushed. Carefully: forgiveness means asking God to allow his forgiveness to flow through you to them bit by bit.





— SCRIPTURE —

'If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too.' Matthew 5:39 TLB
— SOULFOOD —

2 Ki 10-12, Luke 14:15-24, Ps 106:1-23, Pro 7:1-2