TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK It is sad, but I must say that so many Christians do not understand what Jesus meant by this statement. Some people cooly try to explain it means, Jesus allowing someone to strike you physically. Now this makes no sense. If you sat still while someone is striking you, it would be very difficult to keep talking. This simple reasoning let us know that Christ couldn´t have been talking about allowing someone to abuse you. Jesus tried to teach the people in simple everyday terms, but few could understand His teachings on how to live with one another in peace, so He taught them first about forgiving one another. He often reminded His disciples they should forgive one another, the same way their Father had forgiven them, forgiving continuously. Let me clarify what I mean by forgiving. Forgiving is giving someone another chance to help themselves, even if they have done you wrong. But this does not mean you allow people to hurt you over and over, in an effort to show forgiveness. No, forgiveness is an inside job. It means you stop feeling bad towards someone, within. That you pray they find understanding. That you wish only well for those that hurt you. That you forget your hurt and reach out to others. This does not mean to allow others to hurt you deliberately. Wisdom teaches us not to give our pearls to pigs. And not attempt to give someone something they can´t receive. Being in a position to forgive those that hurt you, shows a love bigger than humanity. This is the kind of love provided for all those that Love the Lord. The Love of the Father shows us how to love one another. When we think of how often we have done wrong towards God, only to be forgiven, we know just how blessed we are. This blessing we must past to others. It is impossible to know the love of God and not give it to others. This truth of turning the other cheek leaves no room for hate. Jesus was so filled with the Love of God that He had very little time to deal with those who opposed Him. When confronted with opposition, He dealt with it swiftly. His time was spent on bringing men into the light, not debating about the light. Jesus didn´t get involve in petty arguments. He knew whom He was and His purpose. He knew He would have to show mankind how to forgive by forgiving those who hated Him. When people tell me they tried to forgive a certain person, but couldn´t, I reply, they are right. It is only through the Love of God we can forgive. The love of God compels us to forgive. We actually forget ourselves when we see how much God loves us, knowing all the mistakes we have. When we really believe we are loved by God, just where we are, we will no longer hurt one another. Knowing God loves us is the most powerful tool of the human spirit. We are awakened every day with a desire to serve others. Life becomes a wonderful journey of making others happy. We learn the true meaning of, It is better to give than receive. Everything Jesus stood for was based on this scripture. He walked the earth to show mankind the way back to the Father´s forgiveness. He was a prime example of love and forgiveness, winning the heart of mankind. We are still talking about the love of Jesus two thousand years after He said these words. The last things He said, while hanging on the cross, naked, and beat beyond recognition, was, Father forgive them; for they don´t know what they are doing. Now you know this was only the love of the Father that caused Jesus to utter these words. What would you have done if they nailed you on a cross, or gave you vinegar to drink, or spit in your face, or beat you to a pulp? How could you allow them to crucify you, if you had legions and legions of angels at your command? You couldn´t, but the love within you can. The love in us can always forgive, because it is not our personal love, but the love of God working through us. The next times you think of someone who did you wrong, pray for them. If you can allow them around you without problems, then welcome them, if you can´t embrace them, then guard your heart against bad feelings towards them. Don´t allow yourself to feel bad towards the person, after the facts. This is very ungodly. Some people you can forgive and embrace, and others you can only forgive. It is the responsibility of the Christians to forgive, and be an example of forgiveness. If we truly are followers of Christ, we must forgive all mankind. There is no justification for not forgiving. Now we see that turning the other cheek, has a lot more meaning to it than what we thought. It becomes a way of life, instead of physical action.