A Verse Few People Believe

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Reflection: A Verse Few People Believe

“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.” — Matthew 5:39

There are verses we underline.

And there are verses we quietly hope no one takes seriously.

Most of us say we take Scripture seriously — some even literally.

But this one?

We’re not so sure.

A slap in the ancient world was not primarily about pain.

It was about insult.

It was about honor.

It was about humiliation.

And we do not like to be dishonored.

History — and even our own neighborhoods — tell the story.

There are graves filled because someone would not absorb an insult.

Jesus is not asking us to pretend harm is harmless.

He is not calling us to enable abuse.

He is speaking about retaliation — about the reflex to strike back in order to restore our pride.

When our sense of worth is fragile, we defend it at all costs.

But when our identity is rooted in the unending love of God —

when our honor comes from belonging to God —

we do not have to prove ourselves.

We can refuse the cycle.

Turning the other cheek is not weakness.

It is strength that refuses to be baited.

It is dignity that cannot be stolen.

It is freedom from the need to win.

The truth of God’s love steadies us.

And when that love defines us,

no insult has the final word.

I’m Horace McMillon.

This is 60 Seconds of Hope.

Peace be with you.

#60SecondsOfHope #SermonOnTheMount #NonRetaliation #TruthInLove #SpiritualFormation

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