For adult study: "Turn the Other Cheek"
The story summary and questions were written in a way that makes it possible to use a New Testament reference in place of the Urantia reference. A selected chapter from a 1932 book, titled Treasure-House of the Living Religions, supports a spiritual theme that is found within the story. Children will use a one page handout that includes a coloring picture.
Paper 140:3.14-16
The Urantia Book
The story summary and questions were written in a way that makes it possible to use a New Testament reference in place of the Urantia reference. A selected chapter from a 1932 book, titled Treasure-House of the Living Religions, supports a spiritual theme that is found within the story. Children will use a one page handout that includes a coloring picture.
Paper 140:3.14-16
The Urantia Book
If anyone smites you on the right cheek
Students may read Paper 140:3.14 or read all of 14-16
Jesus taught his disciples to be kind and merciful. He also said, “If anyone smites you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” This idea was hard for his followers to understand because they believed, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Jesus does not want us to get even with people when they are mean to us. He does not want us to retaliate. Instead, he wants us to return good for evil. This teaching is part of what became known as the Sermon on the Mount.
Discussion Questions
Why is it difficult for us to understand this teaching? Jesus encourages us to trust God and refrain from retaliation. What does it mean to “return good for evil”? Why would that be an effective response?
Procedure for using the PDF handouts with children
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Additional reading:
Read more of what Jesus meant by turning the other cheek.
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Re: Overcome evil with good
140:5.24 Fatherly love delights in returning good for evil—doing good in retaliation for injustice
156:5.5 ... And again I say to you, be not overcome by evil but rather overcome evil with good.”
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New Testament reference
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Chapter 42—Good for Evil—p.224
Let a man overcome wrath by calmness, evil by good.
Let him subdue the miser by liberality, the liar by truth. (Buddhism)
Bear railing words with patience.
Never meet an angry man with anger,
Nor return reviling for reviling.
Smite not him who smites thee. (Hinduism)
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