We are Kingdom People

Drawing by MEK

My Lay Dominican Chapter is inside a men's prison.  Tonight was our study group.  We were discussing Matt. 5:39.  This is the turn the other cheek teaching.

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

Personally, I was a little worried how the discussion would turn out; the make-up of the group being a bunch of alpha males.  And in their environment!  I thought they would think this teaching a sign of weakness.

They looked at this scripture verse as the ideal for Christians.  But they acknowledged that the worldly view was the exact opposite.

Some remembered stories about Martin Luther King's non violent protests.  The prevalent opinion was that one really had to be morally strong to keep Jesus' teaching in our secular world.  It is easier in a group, like the marchers with Martin Luther King.  But very, very hard when you're standing alone.

We have to follow Jesus' example.  We are kingdom subjects.  We have to live our identity.  Actually, we have to treat others the way God treats us.