There is a powerful message today, and that message is, “Turn the Other Cheek.”  I would argue strongly that many of us, including myself, have a hard time turning the other cheek. We know what the Word of God has to say, however, there are times when flesh gets in the way, and we respond our way rather than the way God wants us to respond. Think about it — when was the last time you turned the other cheek to allow someone to offend or to hurt you? Most of us get upset at the least little thing, unwilling even to follow the word of the Lord. It is my prayer today, as you read this devotion, that we will learn to trust God for the strength to turn the other cheek. In Luke 6:29, we find these words:

“If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.”

Jesus, the Master Teacher, speaks about loving our enemies. He says, “Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” He goes on to say, “If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, do not try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Jesus practiced what He preached. We must not only love, but we must also love our enemies. In doing so, we are acting as children of the Most High God. Prayerfully, we have come to understand what it means to turn the other cheek. God has forgiven us, so we must forgive others, by the power of the love of God in our hearts.