When the World Slaps, God Elevates

Standing with dignity is its own kind of strength.

Verse: "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." — Matthew 5:39

Our sermon the other day focused on the Sermon on the Mount, which, as Pastor Roberto pointed out, was not really a "sermon" as we think of them today. Rather, it was a series of brilliant, revolutionary lessons Jesus taught His followers.

I actually got used as a prop during the sermon to help illustrate a point about "turning the other cheek." Pastor Roberto demonstrated two types of slaps on me. That experience, along with some subsequent research, revealed something fascinating.

Different types of slaps carry entirely different meanings. While any strike sends a negative message, a backhanded slap historically carried a unique sting. It was a symbol of absolute disdain—an attempt by an aggressor to establish dominance and remind the other person of their lower social status.

How does this relate to turning the other cheek?

Hold on. I'm getting there!

In Jesus' day, the left hand was widely considered unclean and was never used for social interaction. Therefore, to strike a person on their right cheek using only the right hand, an aggressor had to use a backhanded slap, the ultimate gesture of humiliation, meant to say, "You are beneath me."

Seen in that context, Jesus' instruction takes on a radical new dimension. By turning the other cheek, the victim refuses to accept the aggressor's premise that they are inferior. Because you cannot easily backhand the left cheek with the right hand, the aggressor is forced to either stop or strike with an open palm—an action reserved only for social equals.

Rather than simply submitting to humiliation, the person stands with dignity and forces the aggressor to confront their humanity. Far from being a message of weakness or passivity, "turning the other cheek" is a form of courageous, nonviolent resistance. It is standing up for yourself without retaliating.

But what's this got to do with running?

I would hope most of the "slaps" we receive these days are metaphorical—like a backhanded compliment. We've all heard them in the athletic world: "You ran a great race—for someone your age," or, "You competed well—for someone your size." They may be less physically painful, but they cut deeply nonetheless. They are modern verbal backhands meant to subtly put us in a box and diminish our achievements.

We will all face situations like these from time to time—and, if we're honest, we probably occasionally and inadvertently become the aggressor ourselves. Sometimes, lessons like the Sermon on the Mount become oversimplified or distorted over time, almost like a game of spiritual telephone. We need to look at them in their historical context to see the truth in a fresh light.

When the verbal backhands come on or off the track, Matthew 5 offers us a powerful response.

It's NOT to try to think of a witty, biting comeback.

It's NOT to cower in fear or accept the shame.

It is to turn the other cheek—and, in doing so, disarm the aggressor without surrendering our dignity. The world may try to diminish us, but when we respond with the strength, grace, and identity Jesus provides, we rise above the insult rather than allowing it to define us.

Have a GREAT week!