Resistance and intolerance to things in life has become a trend with man kind these days. More then ever we are today tested to see how far we can go and more often we find ourselves deciding not to tolerate. One of the hardest Christian value to practice is to tolerate an evil person, so when we are mistreated or offended because of our faith it is easier to brush them off then to give in; it is called Callousness. We must not become callous towards other people’s evil when turning the other cheek.
Matthew 5:38-40
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39 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. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
Why should we turn the other cheek? What is the purpose of turning the other cheek when someone’s intentions are evil? Vengeance is no longer an option for the people of God. God said that vengeance is his. Turning the other cheek has a powerful purpose and message. When you turn the other cheek because of evil implies God’s ever forgiveness and his willingness to put aside all the evil we have ever done and continue to love us. God turn the other cheek to our evilness and loved us (Hos. 11:4) he picked us up and kissed our cheek. It is an act of God love when the evil is because of your faith, but too often we find our selves turning the cheek and becoming callous. Now, callous is the feeling of no emotion and hardening of the heart (Acts 28:27). The signs of callousness are the dulling of the ears and the closing of the eyes as well as the heart waxing gross (to become dull, unfeeling, become “S”.) Jesus warned about becoming callous. He said callousness hinders others from becoming saved and even becoming healed (Mat. 13:15). Part of the effects of callousness is the clarity of what God has to say. When someone has issues with accepting God’s word because of popular perspective or human values callousness become evident (Jhn 8:43). The end state of callousness is rebelliousness and stubbornness (Za. 7:11). So, turning the other cheek is a powerful love tool that will convert the hurting heart and will eliminate callousness. Callousness will allow us to become lukewarm and distant from God.