In Mathew 5: 38-41, Jesus teaches about Christian’s conduct, especially upon affliction. In particular, Jesus instructed Christians to offer the other cheek when slapped, or if anyone takes one’s shirt, the person should give the clock as well. Should Christian let evil triumph over them?
In Romans 13: 3-4, the Bible grants the authority/government to use force to restrain evil and calls those in authority God’s servants. Therefore, states can punish wrongdoers. Moreover, Luke 3:14 allows Christians to serve as soldiers indicating that it is right to use force to keep off enemies. Why did Jesus teach the Christian not to resist evil and turn the other cheek?
Jesus did not instruct Christians to accept evil or allow evil doers prevail among themselves. Jesus teaches Christians to overcome evil with good as stated in Romans 12:21. In this case, Jesus does not instruct anyone to allow physical aggression such as allowing thieves to take away one’s possession. Jesus refers to personal insults that would escalate if the victim responds with aggression. Besides, the Sermon on the Mount instructs individuals other than governments or entire communities (Perman). It prohibits one from taking revenge because that would lead to more problems than responding with kindness. To prevent escalation of a dispute one is at liberty to seek help from the government. From this point of view, it is justifiable for communities to fight to defend their territories or stop injustice collectively. It is worth noting that even Jesus whipped and drove out business people from the temple (Mathew 21:12).
Work cited
Perman, Matt. "Did Jesus Teach Pacifism?" Desiring God. 2006. Web. 01 Mar. 2016. <http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/did-jesus-teach-pacifism>.
