ajm@monu6.cc.monash.edu.au (Tony McGregor) (03/19/91)
In article <Mar.18.11.22.42.1991.7419@athos.rutgers.edu> smith_w@apollo.hp.com (Walter Smith) writes: >My question is, how far do we go with "turn the other cheek"? >If someone is going to kill us, or someone else, are we really >supposed to let them, or should we stop them? (Turn the other >cheek as long as it doesn't kill anyone?) For a long time I wondered about how far to go in turning the other cheek. This is the conclusion I have come to. When Christ told us to turn the other cheek and to walk an extra mile he was teaching a part of the second great commandment. If we are hurt by someone our first reaction is normally a selfish one. Strangely we often seek to get our own back through revenge, even if this doesn't make our lot any better. Through the OT God had taught his people to limit their revenge to the magnitude of the original act. Now Jesus extends this by teaching that we should respond in a way that brings reconciliation to the situation. By inviting Christ to remodel our revenge reactions into concern for the person who has wronged us we are bringing his love to the world and, surprisingly, we experience more of his peace and strength in our lives. I have friends who began as enemies. That is a wonderful experience. At the same time it would not be right for me to allow an unrepentant mugger to mug again. It is wrong for both the mugger and the person he mugs. When he said "Turn the other cheek" Jesus was not making a new rule to be followed dogmaticly he was helping people to break out of their self orientated thinking. God bless you Tony ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tony McGregor ( ajm@monu6.cc.monash.edu.au ) Department of Robotics and Digital Technology, Monash University PO Box 197, Caulfield East, Vic 3145, Australia Phone: +61 3 5732014 Fax: +61 3 5732745 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PS Perhaps we sholud all flame each other for pratice at turning the other cheek ;-)