Pastor Greg Laurie tackles a perennially debated issue: How should Christians approach the topic of self-defense. How do we “turn the other cheek,” and how should we think about law-enforcement? Teaching from Matthew 5 and the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Greg gives us a balanced view of all these topics. 

There is a place for self-defense. You have your rights as an American citizen. God has the military and the police force. With that in mind, what did Jesus mean when He said, “But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. … And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:39, 41 NKJV)?

Jesus was giving specific advice for when Christians are persecuted. These are not mechanical rules; they are principles for meeting the personal wrongs that come to those who follow Him. There are times that, for the sake of God’s kingdom and the soul of a person, we take the hit or turn the other cheek or go the extra mile.

Read more on this subject in Pastor Greg’s full article.

This message was originally preached at Harvest Christian Fellowship on May 30, 2010.

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Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org.

This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.

Pastor Greg Laurie tackles a perennially debated issue: How should Christians approach the topic of self-defense. How do we &ldquo;turn the other cheek,&rdquo; and how should we think about law-enforcement? Teaching from Matthew 5 and the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Greg gives us a balanced view of all these topics.&nbsp;
There is a place for self-defense. You have your rights as an American citizen. God has the military and the police force. With that in mind, what did Jesus mean when He said, &ldquo;But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. &hellip; And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two&rdquo; (Matthew 5:39, 41 NKJV)?
Jesus was giving specific advice for when Christians are persecuted. These are not mechanical rules; they are principles for meeting the personal wrongs that come to those who follow Him. There are times that, for the sake of God&rsquo;s kingdom and the soul of a person, we take the hit or turn the other cheek or go the extra mile.
Read more on this subject in Pastor Greg&rsquo;s <a href="https://harvest.org/resources/gregs-blog/post/should-christians-be-doormats/">full article</a>.
This message was originally preached at Harvest Christian Fellowship on May 30, 2010.
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Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at <a href="https://harvest.org/">harvest.org</a>.
This podcast is supported by the generosity of our <a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/">Harvest Partners.</a>

Greg Laurie delivers compelling, practical insights on faith, culture, and current events—with an emphasis on the saving power of the gospel message. He is the founding pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, main speaker of the Harvest Crusades, and host of the daily program, A New Beginning. For over 40 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have been committed to knowing God and making Him known. Learn more at https://harvest.org/.

Greg Laurie delivers compelling, practical insights on faith, culture, and current events&mdash;with an emphasis on the saving power of the gospel message. He is the founding pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, main speaker of the Harvest Crusades, and host of the daily program, A New Beginning. For over 40 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have been committed to knowing God and making Him known. Learn more at <a href="https://harvest.org/">https://harvest.org/.</a>

Greg Laurie delivers practical truths on faith, culture, and the gospel.

Greg Laurie Podcast

Greg Laurie delivers compelling, practical insights on faith, culture, and current events&mdash;with an emphasis on the saving power of the gospel message. He is the founding pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, main speaker of the Harvest Crusades, and host of the daily program, A New Beginning. For over 40 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have been committed to knowing God and making Him known. Learn more at <a href="https://harvest.org/">https://harvest.org/</a>.

Greg Laurie tackles a hot topic, teaching from Matthew 5.

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