“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Matthew 5:38-42

When were you last insulted? I mean really insulted. Most of us are not looking for a fight and many do their best to avoid conflict at any cost. But, sometimes friction is unavoidable especially when our lives of faith in Christ are challenged.

So, where do we turn when conflict is inevitable? Is it an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth? Is retaliation the answer?

From an early age, we learn to retaliate when opposed but Jesus’ clear instruction is, when faced with a person who insults or disparages us , to “turn the other cheek” or “go the extra mile” and to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:45).

Now, Jesus never suggested compromise of faith and He didn’t suggest we shrink from conflict in order to keep the peace at any cost. Think of how he confronted the Jewish leaders!

Instead, He taught that we should rely on God who will take care of the situation in His time. For that reason Jesus was able to tell us to “rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5: 12).

Paul also addressed the idea of retaliation. Instead of looking to avenge a wrong, he reminded us to “not be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good” (Romans 12: 21).

So, here’s the real test. How do we respond with the “challenging” person at work? in the neighborhood? at home? Will respond with a Christ-like attitude? Will we stand in His strength? Will we resist the temptation to do things our way?