Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 8/26/2009

Question
Hey,
Is there a place in the bible where it says we should allow ourselves to get hurt? And also, is there a place that says we should protect ourselves from getting from other people?
Thank you!!

Answer
Dear Nathan,
   Thanks for writing.  Some people think Matthew 5:39 means to allow ourselves to get hurt, but this whole passage deals with inner responses versus simply correct outward actions.  In this case it mentions someone slapping the right side of your face.  For most people, being right-handed, that would mean slapping your face with the back side of their right hand.  In other words, we should not return insult for insult.  As Romans 12:19-21 says, we should overcome evil with good to "heap coals of fire on his head."
   God sometimes works in different ways.  Luke 22:35-38 mentions having a sword, probably for self-defense.  God is the Author of life and instituted the death penalty for murder to underline respect for human life. (Genesis 9:6)  
   Sometimes out of love for a bully, one should stop him by force if possible, in order to gain his respect for the message you give him about God's love.  

   1 Corinthians 16:13.  Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong!