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Our Limited Understanding

What did he mean when he said turn the other cheek? Does it mean violence isn't the answer and peace is always the way? Is it to deny the natural carnal response? To challenge the older laws that have long been ensconced? Maybe it's a come on to the ungodly "Give me what you got I have no need to be afraid." Maybe he meant our bones are fragile but our hope is not? It shall never rust nor decay. Surely a punch in the face is no threat to one's life. If a man put a gun to your wife would you just let her die?? (surely life is precious but God have mercy should it come to this) Should we cast down our weapons, trade them for pruning hooks? Is that what Jesus meant? Or perhaps, maybe, it begs you to take a deeper look. and gaze at the wisdom God has sent. Does it not surely mean that hatred can't be snuffed out by more hatred? There are many trials we go through but one thing we must know is that love should always be sacred. When he stated Ye are the Light of the World does that not imply that the world itself is DARKNESS? It's a gloomy forbidding place with many pricks and thorns: why add to the harshness? For now it seems we see through a glass darkly. Having trouble deciphering the passages and what they meant. What about Romans 13 where it says, Execute vengeance against those who do evil? To whom is it referring and to what extent? Our limited understanding leaves us grounded. NOTE: This was written in response (and inspiration) to Liam McDaid's poem titled Thou Shalt Not Kill. It's a very fascinating topic, and one where I don't quite have answers...

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Caleah Buil

Date: 12/2/2014 1:43:00 PM

Wow....a favorite. So quietly moving and deep. We should be an example to others of goodness and peace. But. There is a limit. We are to fight our carnal to do good. However, I feel like God is also saying that fighting with one another will get us nowhere as well. After all, a soft answer turns away wrath. I absolutely LOVE this poem!

Timothy Hicks
Date: 12/13/2014 3:13:00 AM

Thanks for the favorite, dear friend. My poem was more questions than answers, but God is not afraid of questions. Happy this resonated with you!

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 10/30/2014 8:04:00 AM

With regards to spanking, my wife was very much against it, so for me it was not an option, as a result I had to develope other ways of communicating with our son. As a result I became a better parent. We ended up with a highly intelligent, thoughtful, articulate and sensitive man. He is on his way to a successful career and has made great relationship choices.

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 11:06:00 PM

That's good to hear, my friend :) We are not all the same and so, what lifts someone else up might not do the same for somebody different. As for me I was spanked and I didn't resent my parents for it.

Maurice Yvonne

Date: 10/29/2014 1:49:00 PM

Love this piece. I guess we have to ask ourselves how deep are our beliefs? "Everyone wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die?" Are our lives in his hands? Ghandi was unbending in his belief of peace. I do not believe I would be strong enough to not defend my family. I know I would fight violence with violence in that scenario. In the same breath I can tell you it still feels wrong but it is what I would do.

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 1:16:00 AM

Hey Maurice. Thanks for reading me. I don't think that the Bible is truly asking us to not to be left defenseless. When it says, "turn the other cheek." I believe it means one should not reward a wrong done unto you with another wrong. If someone is attacking or threatening your kids, loved ones, I don't see that as violence, but self-preservation. I'd have to look into it more thoroughly!

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser

Date: 10/29/2014 3:04:00 AM

true, we are gifted with mind and heart and conscience [faculties] to discern which way should be... I wasn't a Bible reader then but just I watched and read Bible stories... but when I went to Saudi there I had appreciate the Living Words of God.. :) Our limited understanding can be elaborated if we are in a small group and such there are sharing and testimonies to discuss and reflect on it.. :) I believe that if this will be started with a prayer asking God's presence words can be understood

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 1:13:00 AM

I very much appreciate your insightful and sincere comment, Olive. Some verses in the bible are hard to grasp... while others are some of the most moving words you'll ever read. I'm happy that you got something out of this. As I've stated before I don't know what to think about capital punishment... that is a gray area for me.

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser
Date: 10/29/2014 3:07:00 AM

This poem is thought provoker.. :) anyhow, this world is full of mysteries that at times it's better to let this mysteries be unfolded in time... as for us, to how we drop punishment depends on us but I truly disagree to taking lives esp in brutal non-humanitarian way.. :(

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser

Date: 10/29/2014 3:04:00 AM

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/29/2014 1:04:00 AM

The Bible is confusing to me, Tim. So much to ponder on. You have to take some of the statements as metaphors. I believe God wants us to use force when we have to (for the sake of defending our loved ones, etc). I liken these kinds of statements to the many differing views on the use of punishment with our kids. There are so many styles. I guess it depends on the KID (the mortal) you are dealing with!!!

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 1:09:00 AM

There is a proverb that goes: he who spareth the rod, hateth his children. Disciplining your children is not shunned in the Bible, but encouraged. It is a disservice to kids to let them always have their way. I already sent you a Soup Mail on my views on self-defense... but I thank you again for reading me, Andrea.

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 1:09:00 AM

Even the ones that are blatantly religious!

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 10/28/2014 8:43:00 AM

Good morning Timothy.

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 1:06:00 AM

Morning, Richard :)

Russell Sivey

Date: 10/27/2014 11:05:00 PM

You've got me pondering for an answer to the truth of the Word of God! We might never have the ability to completely understand exactly what it all means and where contradiction seems to be in play you must just trust in God, and go with His judgement! We may never understand my friend! I really enjoyed reading this spectacular poem here this evening! What a brilliant piece, Great Work!!

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 1:06:00 AM

Thank you Russell, I'm happy to have you pondering these questions, for that was my intention. There is a proverb that goes: the simple believe every word, but the wise looketh well to his going. Those who follow God require faith, but not blind faith. And yes, I agree with you... in this life we may never know.

Paul Callus

Date: 10/27/2014 12:09:00 PM

You put many questions, Timothy, but of course you'll never find all the answers. Some statements appear to oppose each other, yet scholars manage to reconcile them. // the world is not completely in darkness, for the good are the light of the world...and we know that there are many who are good. // It is only right that we ask and try to understand, as long as our intentions are correct. Keep pondering! // paul

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 1:04:00 AM

I like your outlook. Keep our intentions in the right place, and our eyes always on the look out. In this life, there's no hope of understanding it completely... but we can seek it out for as long as we draw breath. Thanks for reading me yet again, my friend!

Eileen Manassian

Date: 10/27/2014 10:30:00 AM

Timothy....I am with Richard on this one. Perhaps if someone were to slap me....I could take it...Perhaps. But if it comes to my daughter....I can turn into an angry Mama Bear...Heaven help us. I think that line that hatred only brings more hatred is the key to it all. HUGS

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 1:02:00 AM

It's a difficult situation to ponder... let us pray that neither has to face it. The Sermon on the Mount seems to paint a picture of the ideal man... yet so much of it seems so far out of our reach.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 10/27/2014 9:08:00 AM

You ask good question, blessed is a man who never has to be faced with this dilemma.

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 1:00:00 AM

Thanks Richard. It would be best if we never had to encounter such a situation. But it's good to be prepared for the correct course of action. I honestly don't believe that Turn the Other Cheek is in reference to self-preservation - e.g. a man trying to take your life. But I would have to read more in depth.

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 10/27/2014 4:25:00 AM

a stronger man in faith will always turn the other cheek execute vengeance as it carries hate such power destroys a soul eating out all good in darkness love is so pure one look at its pureness we all will bow meek our hearts tell us what is right in the end truly outstanding piece of writing tim

Liam Mcdaid
Date: 10/30/2014 4:04:00 AM

smiling timothy you said it gods justice not mans have a great day pal you put a smile on my face

Timothy Hicks
Date: 10/30/2014 12:58:00 AM

God is love, as it is stated in John. But at the same time God deals out justice. These qualities don't contradict each other... they are just two sides of the same being. I'm glad you enjoyed and got something out of this, Liam. Have a blessed day!