What Jesus Did! 'Turn the Other Cheek!' — Luke 6:29

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Celebrating 30 Years of Heartlight!

See highlights from 30 years of Heartlight and plans for the future of this ministry.

 30 Years of Heartlight
[Jesus continued his teaching on our interactions with others, commanding,] "If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also."
— Luke 6:29 NLT

Key Thought

This verse doesn't make sense to us if we look at it only on a human level. We don't want people to run all over us. We don't want to be doormats. We don't want folks continually taking advantage of us. Clearly, in Scripture, there comes a time to stop allowing folks to continue their evil behavior because of our fear or our being enablers. [1] On the other hand, Christians ARE to try to deescalate conflicted situations instead of "upping the ante" on destructive behavior. This submission to others should not be compliance because of fear or powerlessness. Instead, it should be a Kingdom commitment to honor God and do what he says to help bless and redeem others.

[1] Matthew 7:6, 15:26; Philippians 3:2.

Today's Prayer

Give me strength, O God, to turn the other cheek and not to be embittered. Give me courage, O God, so that I do not lose my heart or my head when others take advantage of me. Give me a generous heart, O Father, so that others can find their way to you because of my influence and behavior. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Love Is Not a Brick
Article by Rubel Shelly
Who would go first among the religions in showing honor to the other? Rubel Shelly talks about world religions, love, respect, honor, and violence.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 6:29 NLT — [Jesus continued his teaching on our interactions with others, commanding,] "If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Exile as Preparation for God’s Future'
"[Stephen continued talking about Moses in his defense before the council:] When Moses heard that [his killing of an Egyptian was known among the..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Forgive Others — Even if They Haven't Asked'
"When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Receive the Breath of Heaven'
"Dear Disciple, Mary Magdalene, Peter, John, and a couple of disciples on the road to Emmaus weren't the only ones to meet Me on that first day of My...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!