What Jesus Did! 'Turn the Other Cheek!' — Luke 6:29

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

[Jesus continued his teaching on our interactions with others, commanding,] "If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also."
— Luke 6:29 NLT

Key Thought

This verse doesn't make sense to us if we look at it only on a human level. We don't want people to run all over us. We don't want to be doormats. We don't want folks continually taking advantage of us. Clearly, in Scripture, there comes a time to stop allowing folks to continue their evil behavior because of our fear or our being enablers. [1] On the other hand, Christians ARE to try to deescalate conflicted situations instead of "upping the ante" on destructive behavior. This submission to others should not be compliance because of fear or powerlessness. Instead, it should be a Kingdom commitment to honor God and do what he says to help bless and redeem others.

[1] Matthew 7:6, 15:26; Philippians 3:2.

Today's Prayer

Give me strength, O God, to turn the other cheek and not to be embittered. Give me courage, O God, so that I do not lose my heart or my head when others take advantage of me. Give me a generous heart, O Father, so that others can find their way to you because of my influence and behavior. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Love Is Not a Brick
Article by Rubel Shelly
Who would go first among the religions in showing honor to the other? Rubel Shelly talks about world religions, love, respect, honor, and violence.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 6:29 NLT — [Jesus continued his teaching on our interactions with others, commanding,] "If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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