Q: Jesus said we should love our enemies and turn the other cheek. Is there ever a time we should physically defend ourselves? What if someone breaks into my house to kill my children or spouse?

A: Matthew wrote, “Whoever slaps you on the cheek, turn the other” (Mat 5:39). A slap is an insult, but it doesn’t necessarily produce physical injury or broken bones. Perhaps a slap would be a call for patience and forgiveness, while allowing God to plead our cause.

Paul addressed more drastic forms of attacks in Romans. He said, “Every person is to be in subjection to governing authorities. Whoever resists authority opposes the ordinance, or the arrangement of God. The authority does not bear the sword for nothing, for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” (See Rom 13:1‑4.) Soldiers and police officers ought to take note of this because apparently, God considers their jobs to be specific ministry, which He has ordained.

A police officer in our fellowship was once involved in a gun battle. Unfortunately he had to take the perpetrator out. In an atmosphere of self‑preservation I believe our officer performed his job correctly and obediently, even though the other man lost his life. There is a great difference between a slap and a speeding bullet.

If I should hear our front door open ever so quietly in the middle of the night, all invaders would be wise to immediately step away from our house and property as fast as possible. The spiritual fruit of self‑control should help us to distinguish between an insult and self‑preservation.

Q:In Luke 22:42 Jesus said, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will but Yours be done.” Was this cup referring to Jesus’ physical death, or the second death?

A: Jesus had begun to agonize in the garden, for He was about to become the offering for all the sins of human history. This cup refers to the cup of suffering He was about to experience. Knowing the crucifixion was the Father’s will; Jesus withdrew His petition and continued toward His cross.

Jesus gave up his physical life as payment for our sins.

By receiving Him as our personal savior and sin sacrifice we then become His and are saved from the lake of fire, which is the second death. (See Rev 21:8.) Matthew Henry has explained the terror of hell as, “to die and to always be dying, with eternal separation from God.”

The Father’s answer to Jesus’ was, “There is no other way for people to be rescued from their sins, if You refuse to die in their place.” Since Jesus gave His life for us, true believers give their lives to Him.

1 Corinthians 6:20