The other cheek

So much conflict comes from our fear that others are going to take advantage of us.

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Matthew 5:39

At one of the first Bible studies that I led, we read this verse and somebody asked, Does this mean we are supposed to let others walk all over us? At the time I had no answer. They never came back to Bible study. 

Allowing others "take advantage" is, in once sense, the essence of Christianity. Instead of giving us what we deserve, God allows us to take advantage of the cross to put us on right terms with God.


We are also supposed to resist giving others "what they deserve" by forgiving them. Somehow, we are all behaviorists at heart, and believe that we need to "train" others how we want them to treat us. As though they were pets and not thinking, choice-making beings.

On the other hand, cowardice is hardly an admirable trait, and never does God tell us to step down and passively allow injustice and exploitation to run its course.

In my work, I feel the tension again. Maintaining authority in a classroom is often a show of power, not a show of meekness. It was difficult for me the first few weeks, not because I was afraid to confront my students, but because I needed to figure out how to exercise authority in a way that was strong yet not vengeful.

Calm strength, I think, is the key: letting unruly students have their own way is not beneficial to you, the rest of the class, or to them. But being a tyrant is unnecessary. I've been amazed to have students challenge my authority, hold my ground, and find that the next week they are compliant and even friendly. This is not always the case, of course, but it has happened in at least four different instances. I admit, this is still puzzling to me. I can't figure out if they are trying to get on my good side, are acting out of fear of punishment, or who knows what else. But not one of these students has been malicious since those crucial incidents.

"Turning the other cheek," I think, addresses our instinct to retaliate out of anger, to punish others for the pain they have caused us. But cowardice is not the goal - the kind of "meekness" that Christians are called to is not about submitting to the fear of confrontation.

Sounds like something else I think I have heard of before...nonviolent protest?

What do you think it means to "turn the other cheek"?