"You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. Matthew 5:38-42

Having considered justice, vengeance, and restitution, what about turning the other cheek?

First, in context, “turning the other cheek” is related to the subject of justice. Jesus’ words about turning the other cheek emphasizes our attitudes when wronged. One commentator wrote that we should “be willing to suffer loss yourself rather than cause another to suffer.” This was repeated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:1-11.

Second, the attitude of turning the other cheek applies to how individuals relate to each other, not to civil laws regarding society’s God-given responsibility to punish evildoers (Romans 13:1-4). Personal vigilantism, however, is resolutely disallowed.

Third, Jesus is not disallowing an individual from protecting oneself, and/or others, from violent assaults. Though not using the words “self-defense,” Exodus 22 makes allowances for defending one’s property (and person). While one is not to go beyond defending one’s property (and person), there is even an exemption from guilt if one kills an intruder at night while defending one’s property (and person).

Again, we must not read Jesus’ illustrative words of application to the principle of justice, adding more letters of the law. What we must do is understand the heart attitude Jesus was calling disciples to be marked by.