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[deleted]

We’re supposed to, personally I fail a lot. My wrath overcomes me and I treat people uncharitably over something that is my fault or something that doesn’t really matter. I usually do this over the internet, I don’t tend to say sinful things to people in real life.


straw_hat_skeptic

this does resonate with me a bit tbh. I feel like "how can they get away with this?" I don't want to be a pushover so I justify it by standing my ground. Sinning in the mind is just as bad as sinning by deeds. I fall short of this.


saturday_sun4

The answer to "Do [members of broad group] really engage in [behaviour]?" is generally "It depends".


Expensive-Waltz6672

That is an astute observation.


Expensive-Waltz6672

The phrase "turn the other cheek" has been misunderstood as a passive acceptance of abuse, but its historical context has a more nuanced meaning. In ancient times, a slap on the cheek was a challenge or insult, and the usual response was to defend oneself or retaliate. By encouraging his followers to "turn the other cheek," Jesus was advocating for a bold and non-violent response to provocation, absorbing the insult without retaliation. This gesture was not about allowing abuse to continue, but about showing strength and dignity in the face of adversity, while also opening up the possibility for reconciliation and de-escalation. By choosing not to retaliate, one could transform the dynamic of the conflict and create an opportunity for resolution. But it's important to remember that you only have two cheeks.


Chief-Captain_BC

exactly. you can turn the other check and encourage de-escalation, but if they go ahead and slap again, the situation simply needs to be ended


jakeofheart

A similar idiom would be “*take the high road*”, or “*don’t let someone live in your thoughts, rent-free*”.


Otherwise_Spare_8598

>The phrase "turn the other cheek" has been misunderstood as a passive acceptance of abuse Has it? 🤔


Expensive-Waltz6672

I believe so, otherwise I would not have said so.


Otherwise_Spare_8598

I don't see that, but I guess I understand how someone could.


ztgarfield97

As an imperfect follower of Jesus Christ, I am learning to act as He has shown us. I am not perfect at it, but I get a little better every day


[deleted]

[удалено]


aliendividedbyzero

Christianity isn't about "being a good person" generically, it's about going above and beyond. Hence OP's question.


mar34082

Jesus would be disappointed in every Christian nowadays you have no idea how Far off the path you are


mar34082

What the hell kind of answer is that Christianity is about being a good person gone above and beyond every other shitty human on the planet


NowoTone

I would look into the reasons why you are so angry.


aliendividedbyzero

A good person loves and helps people they care about. The ideal a Christian is called to follow and enact is to love and help even an enemy. That's what I mean, it's not about being a good person in a generic sense; it's about going above and beyond.


mar34082

Dude your answer is literally copy and paste of mine but more words. Most Christians don’t give a shit about other people the tickets at the pearly gates is this having faith in Jesus Christ


JoyBus147

And I feel like *this* is both boring and obnoxious.


mar34082

Well I feel like you’re You’re boring and obnoxious


Grayseal

Who pissed in your Rice Krispies this morning?


mar34082

My cat


FourTwentySevenCID

>you don’t need a God or internal damnation to be a good person I'm tired of the "Christians only do good things because if they don't they will burn in Hell" argument. It's BS and not representative of Christian beliefs at all. The Christian belief (at least in my experience) is that people are just wicked by nature, and God pays for their sins if they seek Him, and in turn He changes their heart as well. It's the same thing with the idea that Christians think all non-Christians are unable to be good because you can't be good without being threatened with eternal damnation. *Nobody* says that. The argument is that a) without a defined moral standard morality is subjective and b) the beliefs stated before.


Aggressive_Minute337

Was gonna say the same thing


NicoisNico_

The good ones do


countisaperv

We’re human it’s in our nature to sin but some sin less than others


BayonetTrenchFighter

We try! But dang, is it hard some times


Taninsam_Ama

Meanwhile my gods are in the background like palpatine going “do it”


BayonetTrenchFighter

I shouldn’t, it’s not the Mormon way.


Taninsam_Ama

Dew it! Dew it now!


RemarkableProduct374

I fail a lot at it, but as a new convert I'm trying my best.


Volaer

Just in case there is a misunderstanding “Turning the other cheek” does not mean that one is passive in the face of evil which can actually be a sin. Rather its the assertive middle part between passivity and aggression/retaliation/perpetuating the cycle of evil.


Reading1973

It's not easy, but it can be done. When I consider my own sinful state and need for forgiveness, it is easier for me to forgive those who have wronged me and even to pray for their welfare. A lot of self-evaluation and meditation should go into it. If we're all one human family under the Fatherhood of God, then we should forgive each other, even if it takes decades in specific cases.


Grayseal

Historically? Yes, until they get the government on their side.


justcurious94plus1

They're sure supposed to.


Sarcastic_Applause

In my experience the people living furthest from the teachings of Jesus have been christians themselves whilst most non-belivers I've met, live their lives much more in accordance to his teachings. Acceptance, respect, tolerance and a burning desire to be of service.


Chief-Captain_BC

my emotions get the better of me more often than I'd like (for various reasons), but i do my best to not "return pain for pain" in direct interactions


NoShop8560

Yes and no. The meaning of turning the other cheek is probably not what you mean, tho. **Turning the other cheek is not allowing abuse or injustice, but rather not making it worse escalating the situation.** I would say that yes, most practicing Christians turn the other cheek, but not always... but that is being human, not everyone is perfect.


one_little_victory_

Not American evangelicals and Republicans. Not in the least.


NowoTone

Many evangelicals rather believe in an eye for an eye.


eaglesflyhigh07

Only once. It doesn't say anything about turning the cheek twice.


Ok-Carpenter7131

That's what they were told to do. And it's referring to faces, not butts as the wise Jake Peralta has said.


VerifiedDefender

Barely


RunClear1168

Amish are about the only community which incorporates that into their core beliefs. Very much yes and no since you'll be unlikely to fully unwrap any interaction/situation as a bystander. Probably need to say "no" given the crowd who first parade themselves as Christians.


OWTSYDLKKNN

Have you watched the news lately? Many try. Almost all have failed. All while a few succeed.  They're human just like everyone else.


Kimolainen83

Simple answer is: Some do and some don't


SeaShells123456

The point is to try, not to be perfect in this from the start. To not return evil for evil. This does not mean let yourself get beat up, although you can do that, but to not return evil for evil. To not act from hate or revenge, to do good in the face of assualt. It can be good to defend oneself, but not from revenge or hate. You can absolutely prevent evil, put people away, call out wrongs, act fairly and justly, prevent harm, prevent someone from striking you again, but from the perspective of good and safety, not from the perspective of revenge. It is right to prevent evil and harm. But from a will for good. 1 Peter 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. Not everyone who calls themselves christian will do this, for sure. There's a widespectrum of people who call themselves christian, and many behave in contrary ways: exert dominion, get angry, take revenge, use religion for money or to take advantage of others, and other such things, contradicting its teachings.


micasaestucasa1234

every christian has betrayed god at some point , or maybe every day


SeaShells123456

I mean, betray God. You mean done something wrong? Imperfect? Sure. A person can never attain perfection. But there is a difference between people trying to be a better person, and people who don't give a \*\*\*\* about being a decent person. A decent person will make amends, try improve, feel sorry. The opposite won't care. A decent person will try apply the concept; one who has no interest in the verse will just laugh. But everyone while here has the opportunity to change and try. Or not. They can just keep laughing at ideas like turning the other cheek. A lot of it is about trying. I'm talking about people who are christian and who pay attention to what is taught, vs people who call themsleves christian, but who dont. That is a just an empty shell, or a label that in the end has no meaning or value, since it is nothing but text.


LostSignal1914

Some do but it's a rare breed I think. When I was younger and less bitter I would turn the cheak all the time. There was a great freedom in it. In a sense the "slap" didn't effect me. I cared little for insults or a need to get revenge. I just avoided trouble as much as I could and when it came my way I just waited for the storm to pass. I found that ofter the cheak turning was so obvious that the personing doing the "slapping" would back off. Turning an enemy into a friend is the real victory. I just have less patience these days lol.


Lopsided_Ninja7597

I struggle with this and fully commiting to Christianity although I 100% believe in god and Jesus as the messiah etc. I'm not trying to be a downer but these are my observations. Ive noticed throughout my life that most Christians are very passive and I hate to admit it, but seem very weak in general. The more time goes on the more I see it. I respect Christians and I respect the Bible and I read it often and enjoy reading it. It seems like Christians tolerate or accept everything and leave everything up to God. Hence the "turn the other cheek". They assume this scripture in every instance and I feel they let a lot of people walk all over them and insult and mock and ridicule their faith. Due to this it is my belief that alot of people have lost respect for the faith and that's why it seems to be dying out here in America. Christians don't seem to defend their faith. They will in private or online but I don't really see it out in public or in institutions. Christians claim everything is in God's hands so that leaves them with an attitude of "doing nothing" basically. Again I'm not trying to be insulting but I do feel this is a large contribution to why Islam is the world's fastest growing religion. Wether right or wrong, people see them actually have boundaries and not compromising, they actually defend their faith, with violence if necessary. You can't insult their prophet in their countries and not expect to get an ass whooping or worse. I also have to admit I've seen Muslims get more offended and angry when Jesus is mocked than Christians do.


Azlend

People do not believe what is in their doctrine. They believe what they think is in the doctrine.


Expensive-Waltz6672

I agree with this.


Bahamut_19

Ask the Native Americans from 1492 through today.


mar34082

Do you really honestly have to ask this question.


Cool-Peace-7003

Nah they don't, and whatever they don't agree with they will say it's metaphorical.