Turning the Other Cheek

How often has it happened that someone has hurt you by words, actions or physical contact? For codependents, our reactions can vary from “what did I do to deserve this? What can I do to change you?” Or, "Oh, it’s OK, they didn’t really mean to hurt me”. As addicts, the response may be to turn to our drug or habit of choice to cover our feelings or not to deal with the situation. Anger responses tend to focus on revenge, either passive or aggressive.

Have you ever heard the expression, “You must turn the other cheek”? Christians tend to throw this around a lot. Even non-Christians like to use this phrase. And most of the time when I hear it is when someone is trying to remind me to check the response I’m having towards a person who has done me wrong. (Actual or perceived).

Recently I read a devotion out of the “Living Faith”, a small devotional book I keep handy. Patricia Livingston wrote a short piece on “Turning The Other Cheek” that set me on my heels. I hope it gives you pause for thought, too.

Matthew Chapter 5, a little ways past the Beatitude principles we use in CR, in verse 39 it says “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other one as well”

Scriptural Scholars have brought to light some interesting things that change the tone of this scripture and may change the way you feel about it.

First of all, in biblical times, left handedness was seen as evil. People never used their left hands for any public task, even slapping a person. The only way to strike someone on the right cheek – using your right hand, would be to backhand them. And, only “”inferiors” could be backhanded. That would be slaves, women and children. Striking and “equal” (a free man) with a backhand would incur legal punishment.

So think about it. You can only use your right hand. You can only back hand inferior people, and the only way to backhand someone with your right hand is to strike the right cheek. So when Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek to him as well, He is saying if someone treats you as an inferior, backhanding your right cheek, turn the other cheek and challenge him to treat you as an equal. This is a form of nonviolent resistance, a call to using inner strength.

So next time you feel the pain of a verbal backhand or someone treats you as an inferior, stand up to be treated as an equal, not backing down to accept more of the same. That’s what Jesus would do.

Lessie
Women's Small Group Leader

If you want more information regarding Celebrate Recovery, click on the "Contact Us" for our email or contact Alison at (501) 410-3728.