What does the Bible say about turning the other cheek?

In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of justice and retaliation by instructing His followers, 'If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.' This command reflects the heart of the Gospel, where believers are called to exhibit a radical love that transcends natural instincts for self-preservation and revenge. It is not merely a call to suffer in silence but an invitation to display grace and mercy, even in unjust circumstances.

This teaching is rooted in a profound understanding of God's sovereignty over all situations. An awareness that God is the first cause behind all events helps believers respond with grace instead of retaliation. The ability to turn the other cheek is seen not as a sign of weakness but as an expression of trust in God’s control and a testimony of His merciful character. Ultimately, this principle embodies a life of self-denial and sacrificial love, which reflects the nature of Christ Himself, who bore our sins and demonstrated complete surrender to God's will.