The Kingdom Way - Turning the Other Cheek

In Matthew 5:38–48, Jesus responds to Jewish laws like "eye for an eye" and "love your neighbor and hate your enemy" by teaching a new way of living. Instead of retaliation, Jesus invites his followers to act differently: if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; if someone greedy demands your tunic, offer your cloak as well; if an oppressor forces you to walk one mile, go with them two.

This way of life reflects what it means to live the crucified life. "Crucified" because it is not easy—it involves embracing a standard shaped by the radical forgiveness, love, and generosity we ourselves have received from our Abba Father.

As we encounter difficult people, our response is not to hate them but to see them as image bearers of God. We are called to treat them with dignity, to love them, and to pray that they would be healed and come to know the radical love of Jesus.