“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ ’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. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
– Matthew 5:38-48
When I worked in education, I spent one school year with a team of educators in a classroom of students with challenging behaviors. At the start of the year, I was given a secular illustration by our lead teacher that has stuck with me ever since. She gave each teacher a smooth rock, small enough to fit in our pocket. “When tough situations come up this year, and they will, I want you to remember to think of yourselves as a river rock. River rocks stay rooted at the bottom of streams. The waters wash over and by them, but the river rock remains unmoved. That’s how I need you to think of yourselves this year, when things get chaotic and out-of-control.”
I have a confession: it was not easy being a river rock that school year. There were many tumultuous moments when I had to feel for the small rock in my pocket and remember her story.
It is not easy being a river rock in the year 2023. As people struggle with financial insecurities, job losses, parenting challenges, health issues, family strife, and societal disagreements, I am sure many of us have witnessed an increase in difficult encounters with others. I am sure many of us have felt like hurling a river rock or two during these moments, but certainly not being still and calm when we’ve been insulted, offended, or betrayed.
Why did Jesus command His followers to turn the other cheek when someone hurt us?
His intention was not for us to be doormats for aggressors, which contradicts Jesus’s teachings in other Scriptures. (A story for another day.)
Jesus’s ministry would have been ineffective if He had responded to the words and behavior of others as the world responds to them. A message, no matter how truthful, given by a hostile and reactive person does not reach those desperate for a savior. Jesus would have been unable to convey the love of the Father if He had not met adversity with gentleness and a calm assurance.
The words and actions of others most often erupt because of their own hurt and frustration; it is nothing personal against us. In many instances, we merely happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. In Romans 12:2, Paul told the church not to conform to the patterns of this world. How will a broken and fallen people recognize Christ in His believers if we respond to every insult and injury in kind?
We were called to be river rocks in the classroom that year because chaos kindles chaos. Rage ignites rage. Calamity causes calamity. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1.)
One of the most powerful weapons we possess as Christ-followers is the spiritual discipline of self-control. But most of us are not born with the patience of Job; little by little, day by day, we must exercise opportunities to practice it. Deep breathing while counting backwards from ten. Practicing empathy by putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes. Talking through hard emotions with someone we trust. Spending time in the Word. Praying for our enemies.
Carrying a small rock in our pocket.
The world is hurting right now. Many are trying to navigate illnesses, drained bank accounts, injustices, strained marriages, and stressful parenting without Christ at the center. They are scared, anxious, hopeless, and wounded. In John 13:35, Jesus said the world will know His disciples because of their love. Love does not anger easily; love does not retaliate.
Loving our enemies is not easy. It takes time and practice. But the world is counting on us to turn the other cheek.
Tracy Huneycutt has been a member of the Journey Church family since 2020. She enjoys serving food on Breakfast Sundays, teaching Kindergarten-2nd grade JKids, and being a part of the Moms Group. Her family consists of her husband, John, her son, Reid, and her Labrador, Suki. Tracy writes blogs and social media content as a copywrite and freelance marketing agent. She is blessed to have additional opportunities to write, especially to share the love and wisdom of the Father.
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