In the years that I have been preaching, I have never sent an email with clarification on a sermon. Last night I had an amazing and troubling epiphany. I realized that in my attempt to help us all understand Jesus' teaching to turn the other cheek, I may have inadvertently sent the message that if we are being abused, we are to turn the other cheek and let the abuse continue.

For many years, I was a psychotherapist specializing in domestic violence. In those years, I never encouraged anyone to remain in an abusive relationship and helped many women understand that God does not want us to be hurt under any circumstance.

What I failed to say yesterday is that Jesus was talking about violence as a response to violence. His teaching was about retaliation, not abuse. His nonviolent approach to life is a lesson in understanding the consequences of using force against force.

For anyone who did not hear the sermon, it was a teaching on Matthew 5:38-48. You may listen online at highlandsumc.com if you wish. Please listen with this clarification in mind.

Thank you for your time in reading this message that will bring some peace to my soul.

Blessings for the journey,

Pastor Betty