Joy and resentment are emotions, but they carry energy. That energy greatly influences my life. The lesson adults teach about not making enemies is based on their own experience of that influence. When we go to court, we often see many people there because they harbor resentment, whether in civil or criminal cases. That demonstrates the power and impact of resentment. Ignoring emotions will eventually have consequences. Don’t make enemies; instead, always choose to share joy. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Jesus taught, “If you got slapped your right cheek, turn the other cheek.” One of the actions that the Jewish Qumran community denied and forbade was “pointing with the left hand.” Violations of this rule brought sanctions from the community. To hit the right cheek means the opponent strikes with an unclean left or right backhand. This cheek slap is deliberately insulting and humiliating rather than merely a pain-inflicting action. Therefore, this teaching of Jesus, “turn the other cheek,” suggests not allowing oneself to be struck by the back of the hand and can signify not being helpless but being active in nonviolent resistance without seeking revenge or retaliation. Perhaps this teaching carries a frightening meaning. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”