Turning the other cheek
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” (NIV) Matthew 5:39
One can be slapped or sued or lose certain liberties — and rightfully so. But this is not the meaning of our text. If we do wrong, and are reproached for our wrongdoing, we are not suffering, as stated by Peter in 1 Peter 2:20; "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." Peter continues to say that if somebody reviles you and you revile again, you can be brought to shame for your own conduct.
He admonishes us to instead be like Christ. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously" 1 Peter 2: 21-23.
This is resisting the evil person; this brings the evil person to the point that he reconsiders what he is doing. Thus the Spirit of Christ becomes such a testimony against the evil person.
Christ showed us this by His example. The Lord Jesus Christ walked before us; He is our shepherd. The shepherd is different from a cowboy. A cowboy is behind the cattle, and he drives the herd, but a shepherd takes the lead. He goes on before the flock and sets the example; that they may follow in his footsteps. Therefore, as our shepherd (Jesus) resisted the evildoer so should we endeavor to do the same.