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To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as
well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold
even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one
who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Luke 6:29–30
This must have been shocking to Jesus’ first disciples. First of
all, recall that Jesus taught these words with a spiritual
authority that left those with an open heart with a conviction that
what Jesus taught was truth. Also recall that Jesus taught these
deep spiritual lessons within the context of performing numerous
miracles. So, for these reasons, His new followers would have known
that what Jesus taught was true. But how could they fully accept
such teachings?
Though many commentators will try to point to the deeper spiritual
principles that Jesus was teaching, try to first take His words on
face value. He really said that you must offer the other cheek to
someone who strikes you, to give your tunic to one who steals your
cloak, and to give to everyone who asks of you, never demanding
back that which someone takes from you. These are not easy lessons
to accept!
One thing that these powerful lessons teach us is that there is
something far more important in life than the humiliation of being
struck on the cheek and having your possessions stolen. What is
that more important thing? It’s the salvation of souls.
If we were to go through life demanding earthly justice and
retribution for wrongs received, we would not be able to focus upon
that which is most important. We would not be able to focus upon
the salvation of those who have wronged us. It’s easy to love those
who are kind to us. But our love must extend to everyone, and
sometimes the form of love we must offer another is the free
acceptance of injustices they commit against us. There is great
power in this act of love. But we will only be able to love another
this way if our deep desire is for their eternal salvation. If all
we want is earthly justice and satisfaction for wrongs committed,
we may achieve that. But it may come at the expense of their
salvation.
Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that every wrong
must be righted here and now. But that’s clearly not what Jesus
taught. His wisdom is so much deeper. He knew that a profound act
of mercy and forgiveness to another, especially when they have hurt
us deeply, is one of the greatest gifts we can give. And it’s one
of the most transformative actions we can also do for our own
souls. When love hurts, in the sense that it costs us our earthly
pride, especially by completely letting go of injustice, then our
act of love for that person has great power to change them. And if
that act changes them, then this will be the cause of your joy for
eternity.
Reflect, today, upon any way that this hard teaching of Jesus is
difficult for you. Who comes to mind as you ponder this teaching?
Do your passions revolt against this command of love from Jesus? If
so, then you have discovered the specific area where God wants you
to grow. Think about anyone with whom you have a grievance and
ponder whether you desire their eternal salvation. Know that God
can use you for this mission of love if you will love in the way
our Lord commands.
My merciful Lord, Your love is beyond my own ability to
comprehend. Your love is absolute and always seeks the good of the
other. Give me grace, dear Lord, to love with Your heart and to
forgive to the extent that You have forgiven. Use me, especially,
to be an instrument of salvation and mercy to those who need it
most in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.
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