“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” (Matthew 5:39 ESV).

Definition of passive: accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance.

When Jesus walked the earth, a slap on the cheek indicated the aggressor had used the back of the right hand as he struck the person’s right cheek. It did not lead to an ensuing brawl. The strike insulted one’s honor, leading to action in a court of law. You sued the person for the insult, not the slap.

Jesus is saying that we, His followers, are not to seek court remedies for the insults we receive on His behalf. We are to extend kindness to others, even those who attack our faith. He has also planted in us a desire to share the light of our Savior with a fallen world. When verbally challenged, we respond in truth and gentleness, not with harshness or anger. We walk a different path than those who do not know Him.

This passage is not a command to passivity or a prohibition to refrain from bearing arms to defend yourself, your family, or your country. The direction is to allow the rantings of insults toward our beliefs to fall to the ground. Not everyone will celebrate our Savior.

Father, give us the courage to respond with love and truth of Your saving grace. Guide us as we prepare for the questions presented. And pour Your powerful discernment on us so we know when to respond, and when to walk away. We require patience and temperance for the battles ahead. We need wisdom and courage to forgive. Thank You for loving us and guiding us.

In Jesus’s name, Amen

p.s. My book releases next month.  It helps shed the shackles of past regrets. Triage; Healing Mental and Spiritual Roots. Information will trickle out on FB. My website has a photo restoredforhim.com  Love y’all so much.