38. "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39. But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
There was an Irish Prize fighter that became a preacher. As he would go from town to town telling the gospel story, he would often be ridiculed and shouted down by hecklers. In one particular town he as preaching in the open air, some men came from the pub and began to make fun of him and push him around. Finally, one man said he didn't want to hear anymore preaching and the preacher better be on his way.
The Irishman continued and the drunk turned and socked him another one. Some in the crowd knew he was a former fighter. They watched with wonder and anticipation. He dusted himself off and said, "The Bible says we should turn the other cheek. Here lad, try this side." He offered him his other cheek. The Intoxicated fellow did just what came naturally and punched the preacher down on the ground again. The minister got up dusted off his pants and took off his coat and rolled up his sleeves, then making fists he said, "The Bible says, ‘turn unto him the other also’ After that the Lord gave me no further instructions."
“If someone smites you on the right cheek turn unto him also the other.” Sometimes you wonder where in the world Jesus came up with such unrealistic principles, don't you?
Someone asked Ann Landers to repeat a column she wrote earlier on maturity. "Maturity is the ability to do a job without supervision, finish a job once it is started, carry money without spending it, and the ability to bear injustice without wanting to get even." Don't return evil for evil. If that latter comment relates to maturity, then Jesus said it many years earlier. He went one step further, not only do not return evil for evil, but return good for evil.
Let’s look more closely at this statement this week and see if we can't make some sense of it in our day and age.
Prayer and Application: Lord, help me today to go the extra mile in all I do, to honor You.
