Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42, Romans 12:14-21

Description: Turning the other cheek is not passive acquiescence. Far from it. In an oft misunderstood biblical passage, we detour from the lives of unsavory biblical characters and find Jesus’ direct teaching on how to confront the “bullies” of our lives. Jesus’ recommendation is neither retaliation nor acceptance. Jesus opens the path of deescalation, approaching situations of conflict in such a way that the anger and tension is diffused rather than heightened.