Jesus famously said, “turn the other cheek,” which is commonly understood as an instruction of ultimate forbearance and restraint in the face of unwarranted provocation. So, there are times when we choose to turn the other cheek rather than act upon the urge to “lash out” at another person. I have been thinking about this saying of Jesus over the past few days in light of the Will Smith-Chris Rock debacle. As a father of young boys, I am very conscious of the need to reinforce with them the message that “violence is never good,” regardless of how powerful it may make them feel to act out of anger in the moment.

That said, there is always room for a healthy, aggressive and thoughtful response that is in accord with “turning the other cheek,” and here’s why: In its original context, if someone in authority landed an insulting back-handed slap to your cheek, you in turn would offer them your other cheek as a non-violent, assertive challenge.

Today, given that violence is so pervasive and so globalized, we need to be good role models for young boys—and girls— so they learn to harness the power of being vulnerable—as a response to threats (perceived and real)—and as a counter to knee-jerk forms of violent behavior that is so common in our country and on the world stage.

Onward in Hope,

Gareth+

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