A Morning Walk Reflection on Luke 6:29
By David Lowry | October 6, 2025
What does it really mean to “turn the other cheek”? On a quiet walk, I found myself wrestling with Jesus’ mysterious command—and discovered that gentleness can be a form of strength, and suffering, a path to peace.
“If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your cloak as well.”
— Luke 6:29
This morning, as I walked alone, my thoughts turned toward these strange and challenging words from Jesus. Carrie is in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, spending precious time with our granddaughter, Zilly. I’m happy for her—and a little wistful too. But walking by myself gives me space to think, and today my mind went to those “hard sayings” of Jesus, the ones that ask more of us than we sometimes want to give.
When Jesus Deconstructs Religion
The Sermon on the Mount was nothing less than a spiritual revolution. Jesus wasn’t just preaching a new ethic; He was deconstructing the religion of His day—peeling back layers of legalism to expose the heart of God.
And His words still unsettle us. Being asked to suffer injury or to yield something precious doesn’t sit well in any age. These teachings force us to wrestle with questions that have no simple answers.
Literal or Metaphorical?
Do we take Jesus literally—actually turning the other cheek, actually giving up our coat? Some people have, and their stories inspire us. I think of the bishop in Les Misérables, who gives his candlesticks and more to the thief.
Yet Jesus’ words may also be metaphorical, speaking to every kind of “blow” we might receive—an insult, betrayal, or unfair demand. Physical violence is only one form of being struck; wounding words can hurt just as deeply.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
— Romans 12:21
The Human Impulse to Retaliate
When we’re wronged, the natural instinct is to fight back. “You insult me—I’ll insult you worse.” “You embarrass me—I’ll return the favor.” That eye for an eye impulse is always on the table.
But what if there’s another way? What if we chose not to escalate? What if we paused long enough to ask, “Would this response reflect the heart of Christ?”
If I can’t imagine Jesus doing it, maybe it shouldn’t be one of my options.
Two Extremes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve seen two opposite—and equally difficult—responses to injury.
1. Total Defenselessness
Some people take “turn the other cheek” to mean never standing up for themselves. There’s wisdom in walking away when a conflict goes nowhere—Jesus Himself told His disciples to “shake the dust off your feet.” Sometimes ending the argument is the most Christlike thing to do.
2. Fighting Back with Force
I understand the desire to defend oneself. As a boy, I was small and often bullied. Later, in my twenties, I studied taekwondo. I learned self-defense, but more than that, I learned confidence—the difference between hurt and injury.
I’ve also known people who chose not to retaliate, even when they could. A friend once told me, after being robbed and beaten, “I didn’t want to kill anyone over money.” That humbled me. Yet I know if my family were in danger, my heart might feel differently.
So where is the middle ground between surrender and violence?
Suffering Nobly
Sometimes, Christ’s call is not to fight, but to suffer nobly.
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.”
— 1 Peter 2:21
Maybe it’s the pain of betrayal, a broken marriage, or being falsely accused. Sometimes we bear injustice not because we’re weak, but because resisting it would only cause more harm. In those moments, we choose dignity over revenge, peace over pride.
When Jesus spoke of giving your cloak as well, He wasn’t glorifying victimhood—He was teaching freedom from the power of resentment.
The Hard Questions
Every day we face choices that test our hearts.
When do we stop fighting?
When do we let go?
When do we walk away?
If we defend ourselves, are we protecting truth—or just our ego?
If we suffer silently, are we honoring Christ—or enabling wrongdoing?
The answers don’t come easily. They live in that mysterious space between justice and mercy, conviction and compassion.
My Prayer
Lord, teach me when to stand and when to yield. When to speak and when to stay silent. When to resist evil and when to suffer nobly. Above all, help my response to reflect Your heart.
If turning the other cheek means anything, perhaps it means choosing love when pride would be easier.
And maybe that’s the hardest—and holiest—thing any of us can do.
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