Self Defense and 'Turning the Other Cheek' 

Broadly speaking, I think this cannot be done without the Holy Spirit working behind the scenes and in the conscience of men. Because if I turned my cheek to a bully or someone who had wrong me dearly, they will go on and continue to think that I’m someone they can push or walk over

as someone who saw a lot of bullies in my life... i trust one thing.. if you dont fight back...they come back...over and over..they got problems at home or whatever and use you ass a relief...as long as you show them thats not okay... so sometimes you have to make them visit the hospital to teach them.

Love that you are intertwining the Word with sound defensive tactics.

Proverbs 15:1 a gentle answer turns away wrath. I have often used this to deescalate a situation. When some one is yelling at me, I either say nothing or I respond in a quiet but determined voice. It is amazing how well this works. Most of the time this is enough. Jesus often used this in dealing with angry men.

I really can't do that. Not out of pride but out of self preservation. In 2015, I was ambushed and robbed which resulted in a TBI, skull fracture and a four day lone coma. I'm still suffering from symptoms. It is because of that any blow to the head has a much higher risk of death or catastrophic injury. So, because of that I have to treat every physical altercation as a survival situation. As a result, I do not let my ego get me into fights anymore, so if it does happen again it will not be sparked by anything I've done. I think God would deem this particular set of circumstances acceptable for not turning the other cheek. I have a son to get home to.....

Wow, John. I just spent 6 years of my life caring for my mom who had dementia and lymphoma. I got little to no help from my siblings. After she passed we all (5 of us total) expected a small some of money which we had entrusted to our oldest brother, who lived in a $400,000 house about 5 minutes away, and hardly ever came near. At the end we found out he never came near because he was out spending our moms money. this video is very relevant to my situation. I want the strength to forgive him, but the natural response of us failed beings is anger. as my heart stands now, I just want him to go away. I have said nothing to him about his dishonesty, have called him no names, but just want him to go away. in the end, I was so privileged to have been able to care for my mom and keep her out of a home. I didn't want anyone who loved her less than I, in any caregiving capacity, and God gave me the strength to see it through. Excellent video....

Heard a story years ago about a young man who broke into an 80 something man's home, beat him up and was preparing to stab him , when the man said it's ok I forgive you. When the young man was caught the older man showed up to court and pleaded for mercy, visited him in jail, and when the time came offered to have him move in when he was released. If what i heard was true the young man completely changed and later went in to ministry. The power of forgiveness changes everything!

I really admire that you bring spirituality and humanity into the world of violence and self defence that we all study. Really glad you made this video because I've been struggling with the interpretation of that bible verse ever since I decided to carry a firearm for defence. God Bless you John.

" Turn The Other Cheek " applies to Insult , NOT assault . Love your channel , Sir !

My Priest once told me that as Christians we are not supposed to let our inner rage take hold of us and make decisions for us. If someone insults us or hurts us then it is best to "turn the other cheek" however this doesn't mean that we cannot defend ourselves or others. On the contrary we have a duty to defend the innocent with righteous anger. We should be strong enough and humble enough to take what others dish out and keep going yet also strong enough to Defend the weak from forces of evil in the world.

Thank you John for your time posting these videos. They're a real inspiration to me and many viewers as well. It is clear you are a true believer and mentor. God Bless and keep the videos coming!👍🇺🇸

I believe a man should be able to take the insults but once a man is attacked in any psychical form he should go in defense mode. Not defending yourself is a sign of weakness an attackers know this, so if you turn the other cheek in a psychical altercation there's high probability your going to get hit again. Sure there could be a situation where you could possibly turn the other cheek if you have an excellent sense of what's going on. But if you don't that first hit could be the end of you.

Hi John, I discovered you through John at ASP. I absolutely love both of your channels and I have been like a sponge watching them. I am an Orthodox Christian and have pondered this quite often. I do conceal carry and I do train weekly. In addition I have been formally training actively in Judo and TSKSR Iaijutsu/Kenjutsu for 14 and 17 years respectively. When I encountered Christ about seven years ago and became a Christian, I began to wonder about turning the other cheek - and what it meant to train in the skills and tactics/strategy (Heiho) to battle and kill if necessary. The martial ways of Japan and Zen Buddhism introduced me to the concepts of the Life Giving Sword and the Life Taking Sword - and I began to ponder these more fully in light of what it means to be a Christian. Seven years a Christian and a missionary to Haiti...and still training my mind, my body, my sword, and my guns...ready to defend my family, my friends, and strangers alike (like you said in another video...not being afraid to die and willing to take that bullet so it's one less bullet meant for my children or someone else..."Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13. Yes, there is a time to fight and a time to turn the other cheek. Allowing someone to hit you and not retaliate...and to truly forgive them upon each blow - look what Jesus endured and then upon the cross He said aloud, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." That wasn't weakness...that was the singular most powerful and strong act this world has ever known. Sorry for the verbose comment. Your videos have enriched my training, my life, and my spirit...and I wanted to let you know from one warrior poet brother in Christ to another...thank you...you are in my prayers. - Matthew

You, sir, are a true gift to our community. Too many people with our mindset either have no faith or are ashamed to profess theirs. Thank you for sharing your wisdom not only of the shooting/tactics aspect but also of your faith.

This one threw me off track. I didn’t expect the message. I was waiting for you to say in the end that we need to smoke’m. You did make the point that sometimes turning the cheek is the right thing to do. That violence is not ALWAYS the answer. And I also heard you try to explain how to discern when violence is the answer. Great message.

I often say, the key word for life is 'Balance.' As you said, knowing WHEN to practice various approaches. Great video!

every time someone hurts me, attacks me, makes fun of me, hates me! i let them go.... i turn the other cheek! why you ask? because 100% of the time they will pay... i dont create reality! this is not my world! someone or something is watching it all.... and no one! i mean no one gets away with anything.. you must learn this... let the universe unfold! be good to people who hate you! bless those who curse you! and you will will see yourself! you will begin to fell sorry for those people...even death will follow them! but dont become them!...

Love this video. Good question and reflection. I contemplate this topic often, especially now that I'm in formation for ordination.

John, I have been lurking around your videos for a while. Man after my own heart. In my experience, it takes a lot of courage and to summon up the strength to hold back that bubbling volcano. In my heart, in my mind, with my abilities i can crush them. However, it is more satisfying to not to retaliate; but rather to forgive and break the cycle of violence. You would have a better chance of making that individual think of their own action and have introspective journey. Regardless, i think in doing so, you have already won the fight without lifting a finger. In those moments, there are more chances to learn about yourself and your "opponent".

I like your philosophical thinking. I believe this command is different than most people think. When I learned the historical context, it made more sense to me personally. Each of these commands in the sermon on the mount was a non violent means of power. Much like you mention with MLK. It brought shame on a person to strike someone with he left hand. They would hit someone of lower status with the back of the hand. If the struck them in another way, it was an acknowledgment of the person being struck as an equal. So, my understanding is that turning the other cheek made it more difficult to keep striking your face without using their left hand or the front or fist of their right hand. The other two commands were similar. Seeing someone naked was different than our society. Seeing someone naked brought shame to the person seeing the naked person. So, “give them your cloak also” was a non violent means of power, because if you threatened to do that or it became more common, it could change the dynamics. Same with walking the extra mile, since Roman solders could get in trouble for making someone carry their stuff for more than a mile. I don’t think Jesus is against defending yourself though. There are lots of places in the Bible taking about swords, etc. I know this video is old at this point, but you read this John, I just want you to know there are still people out there enjoying and appreciating it.

It is my understanding that you have to understand when this book of the Bible was written. If someone was to insult you or to slap you, the highest I shot that you could give that person would be to turn the other cheek, as if daring them to do that again. Now if someone were to assault you with the intent to do you great bodily harm or even to kill you, then I believe that you habe every right to defend yourself as necessary. It is amazing how many non believers try to take that line of scripture as an argument for why we should not be armed. But I don't believe that God ever intended to be pacifists and let people kill us or do is great harm. And there are many pieces of scripture to support that belief. Thank you for your teachings John, both in the arts of how to be a better warrior but also how to be better men and better Godly men.

I've always believed that turning the other cheek was the best and most moral course of action, and I admire how Ghandi went about bringing down the British rule, for example. But here's my take on it: not fighting back is just not realistic. Human or not, predators typically attack harder if you run or refuse to fight. It only emboldens them. So while non-violence can be good strategy for a movement, it almost never is good tactics for an individual. I am not a violent person, but if attacked and left with no choice I am prepared to give twice as hard as I receive.

Great video John. Here is another look that I think touches on the same points you brought up (disclaimer: this is not my own material, and I take no credit for it): "Jesus does not just tell someone who takes a fist to the face to expose the uninjured side. He gives clear instruction to expose the left cheek. This leads to a couple important questions. Why would Jesus indicate that the first blow will come to the right cheek? Why would he instruct someone to offer the left cheek to an attacking Roman soldier? The answer is simple. Roman soldiers tended to be right-handed. When they struck an equal with a fist, it came from the right and made contact with the left side of the face. When they struck an inferior person, they swung with the back of their right hand making contact with the right cheek. In a Mediterranean culture that made clear distinctions between classes, Roman soldiers backhanded their subjects to make a point. Jews were second-class. No one thought twice about the rectitude of treating lesser people with less respect. Peaceful Subversion When Jesus tells fellow Jews to expose the left cheek, he is calling for “peaceful subversion.” He does not want them to retaliate in anger nor to shrink in some false sense of meekness. He wants to force the Roman soldiers to treat them like equals. He wants the Jews to stand up and demand respect. He wants to make each attacker stop and think about how they are mistreating another human being. It is the same motivation behind his command to “go an extra mile” after a soldier forced you to carry water for the first mile (Matt 5:41). It is intended to activate the soldier’s conscience."

Yielding is one of the most effective tactics. Anyone familiar with the game of "Go" (Wei Chi in Chinese) knows that. I lived through Hurricane Andrew and observed that the seemingly strongest trees, those that would not flex, where the first ones to come down while those that bent with the wind were not affected. By the same toke, in Tai Chi, as well as in other martial arts we see how powerful yielding can be by turning the opponent's force against him. Finally, yielding breaks and aggressor's OODA loop when he is expecting his victim to react and instead finds a totally unexpected response.

I saw your video a few days ago and asked my religion teacher today what the Catholic Church teaches in a self defense situation. I was told that because all humans are part of God's Body, killing another human would be synonymous with cutting off His leg and that a person should only use a degree of force when the protector knows the he/she can both be victorious and that the damage that the protector would cause less damage than that of the attacker. I just watched your video again and now realize that there is a time and place for a fight and that sometimes resistance is not the best option. By doing as you suggested, loving the attacker even during an attack, we are truly like God. Thank you for the insight and please continue to do what you do. You are an inspiration and a role model to me and to many.

the overall wisdom of this guy is admirable

Jolly great, Lovell. I come here to get answers to dilemmas like this. Not be further perplexed.

I also believe it means that we are not to retaliate or be the aggressor in actions. I fully believe we have a biblical right to self defense and we should do so. I do agree that it would be a serious psyop to the aggressor if we did as you mentioned in the video.

I like your take on this subject. As a youth one day walking home from school, a young man approached me and asked if I was a Christian and I responded, “yes.” Confidently raising his hand toward my face he said, “Well the bible says if someone slaps you on your right cheek I must turn to him also the left.” I very quickly thought about this impending conflict and then responded, “The bible also says. ‘Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.’ Before you decide to slap me you might want to consider which scripture I might be thinking about.” He slowly turned away and I don’t remember encountering him again after that. Turning the other cheek is a higher doctrine like, "eating my flesh and drinking my blood. Christ did not turn the other cheek when He encountered Satan in the wilderness, but beat him not as Son of God, but as a son of man that left Satan utterly humiliated and he left him for a season. The only time Christ did turn the other cheek, like you alluded, is on the way to the cross. He was so determined that if men did not do it, His Father would have fulfilled the task as was done in the Garden of Eden when He provided skins for covering after they sinned. If Stephen did not turn the other cheek and instead uttered angry curses against those stoning him and if God responded by raining down fire upon them, we would not have had the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Just as God is not mocked, those that have experienced, "the angel of the Lord encamps around those that fear Him,' are truly blessed. Turning the other cheek should always be to the glory of God and on behalf of others to be saved.

I'm loving these little short ones! Previously I had been focused on the longer videos but I'm finding these to be little nuggets of gold brother! I think it's so cool that you'll find inspiration and immediately stop what you're doing to go film a video to pass on your Epiphany to other people for their benefit. That is certainly illustrating you were poet side and in turn showing your balance! Keep it up brother John!

"Turn the other cheek" from my perception is a metaphor for how we are to love and treat one another on a daily basis. Sometimes family members, co workers, and even our friends can get nasty and say hurtful things. When people are doing these things we are to turn the other cheek so we dont give into them and keep the hatefulness going. We are called to love one another and this is a perfect example. This however is not a call to be a doormat for people and by no means does this mean we are called to be slaughtered by some lunatic mass shooter. I dont know how ANYONE can claim to be morally opposed to violence and call themself a "christian". To protect one another and our loved ones as you stated is an act of live and folks we should be doing it. I tell people in my church and on the security team , " if your morally opposed to violence what are you doing here?". Great topic that we should definately dive into more. The consensus it seems is Christians are these pacifist sissys who let people walk all over them. Not me bro, not today, not ever, I'll die for loved ones if that's what it takes to ensure they're safety. Thanks John, sorry for the rant!

God bless you and your channel.

I understand "turn the other cheek" in regards to being disrespected. I don't believe Christ meant it as being a pushover, but could go hand in hand with "heaping coals on head of those who wrong you with kindness". In the context of defending one's life, I believe Christ would have us defend ourselves, but if someone is just "disrespecting" you, turn the other cheek. I am not 100% sure of this but my understanding of the wholistic gospel seems to indicate this.

Great video and I agree with most of it. I agree that turning the other cheek can be a great teaching moment and could really leave an impression with the other person. My only problem with it, based on 23+ years as a Corrections Officer dealing with convicted felons, is that too many in today's society, it would leave no impression at all or if it did, it would be that you were weak. For turning the other cheek to have any effect on another person, there has to be at least a sliver of of moral decency in that person. IMO, there are many in society today that lack even that sliver and it is getting worse. Just my $.02. Keep up the great videos. I appreciate Do It With Dan for giving you a shout out in one of his videos which led me to check out your videos. Again great videos.

Amen Brother. I feel like I've gone the other way around on this. It's a long story but for certain reasons I decided that I'd never fight back against anybody. But I also didn't want to back away and leave people defenseless either. Ultimately I developed a pretty bad drinking problem. And while I doubted that I'd ever have the guts to actually stand up for someone if it came down to it, eventually something happened and I did. It's a long story and I won't go into it, but I took the hits and kept reasoning with him. This gave me the confidence and it became something that I'd do from time to time. Sadly drinking brought a fair few of these situations into my life. It was only when I blacked out one time and later found out that the guy had actually pulled a knife on me and I didn't remember it that I realized that I needed to stop being so reckless. But ultimately (And this is going to sound actually crazy, but it's sadly true) I got most of my courage from the fact that years prior I had actually been inhabited by a demon. (By that I basically mean that dealing with them made facing physical threat and pain seem like a small thing.) It's a long story but basically I was messing around with new age stuff, talking with spirits and all that. And one of them convinced me to give it possession over my body. Then his face full of sympathy turned into just this scary grin. He said "You're f***ed" then I felt what felt like a man made out of air jump on my back and force his way into my body. Basically when it initially happened I saw gore and my imagination and everything turned into a horror show. It was like my body was a house and someone had broken in and was messing up everything tormenting me with everything I cared about. It was basically a 2 month nightmare of a messed up creature ruining my existence from the inside, telling me to k*** somebody constantly. Like I said, it's a long story. But God's presence showed up in the middle of it. He didn't tell me Who He was or where to find Him. But He told me how to overcome them, without getting them out of me. And ultimately how to focus on what was Right and Good. And a few other things. Then He basically said that one day He would lead me to Himself. That I had to not become like them in the meantime. Sorry for the long explanation. But basically I wanted to explain that to give an idea as to why this stuff didn't scare me so much. I didn't even stop the "Breaking up fights without fighting back" thing particularly out of fear, but because I wanted to find The One Who told me He'd lead me to Himself. Because I didn't want to leave this world knowing these demon things existed, without knowing how the people I cared about would be safe from them. But also I think I was pretty desensitized to everything as well. But I also wanted to explain it because I've been getting tormented by them for years now. It's been 7 years now. They've taken the things I love and have turned them into my biggest fears. For most of these years I've been too afraid to be around my family, because they're always threatening them. But also the thoughts of a future family, they've tormented me about that the most out of everything. And ever since I've been a Christian I thought that God wanted me to be a complete pacifist. And I've alternated between "Then I just can't have a family, I just can't." "I'm sorry, but if someone threatens my family I'm going to kill them first." And on the odd occasion I'd have the courage to say "I don't understand, but if I'm just lacking Faith, then please help me with this.". But just recently I watched an explanation by Mike Winger on thinking about the death penalty Biblically. And I felt like in that God gave me one of those light bulb moments. And since I've been looking back at the verses I thought meant that I had to be a total pacifist. And the conclusion I'm coming to is summed up in an image of The Cross with Righteousness written underneath as foundation, Justice on one side, Mercy on the other, symbolizing Justice and Mercy both being crucial (Justice is restorative, not just offensive. Giving Justice to the weak is balancing out their injustices, feeding them, clothing them, providing for them, if I understand correctly. Whereas Justice against someone in protection of somebody else ought to be done with mercy, if possible. From what I gather.), and at the top Love. A foundation of Righteousness or right living with one another, balanced an arm of Justice and an arm of Mercy, all being led by Love. Anyway, it's been changing a lot in me. Just praying that Justice be done in every aspect of my being. Both Restorative and corrective in myself. And offensively against the demons who have ravaged my being for years. But even then knowing how far is Just and Unjust. Not so much because of their deservedness, but because of Who God is and how He asks me to be like Christ Who is like Him. So I guess it's not exactly about Just, because any suffering against a demon, I think, would be Just. But about not gratifying a hatred. Only satisfying Justice against evil, and stopping at the border of it being corrected. For example: [A demon puts a messed up image in my mind. I reject and condemn the image in Jesus name. If it still persists I pray God deals with the demon or worst case scenario, pray God condemns it, if it be His Will. The image stops, I condemn and command against any future actions like it, in Jesus name. I've drawn the line, the evil gets back beyond the line. I leave it there.] Showing Mercy as a decision to be more like Christ and not like them. But also, I've been so afraid of having a family. Believing I wasn't allowed to defend them. Now I feel like a veil has been lifted and I'm just learning the nuance. Honestly I've felt a deep tormented sense of no Justice existing in my life, for so long. But now it feels like I have life in my bones and in myself. Because Justice does exist on this side of eternity. But leading up to this I had been learning about Praying for my enemies and Loving them and turning the other cheek in more situations than just big events. And even more nuance about Mercy against even the ones who don't deserve it at all. Knowing that God will deal with them, that it's His place, not mine, to deal with these cosmic monsters and the human ones who live in their image. And just all sorts. I'm glad that I was learning about Mercy and Loving my enemies just before all this. But yeah, now I feel more and more at Peace, feeling more and more at Peace Scripturally about God wanting and requiring me to defend my family and the weak around me. Not just allowing me to. But yeah anyway, quite the ramble. But I was glad to stumble across this while I was looking at more cases on either side. This is probably the first time I've shared this part of my process with anyone. But basically for a long time I was seeing this image of myself wandering through a desert, drinking sand. And an image of a plant in cracked dried up ground. Sometimes God speaks to me in imagery. I couldn't figure out what it meant. But ever since this realization that it's Just to defend your family, even if a man has to die. I've felt like water has entered into my being more. And I see green starting to show in the imagery. I think the lesson was Love, Mercy and Righteousness are not Loving, Merciful, or Righteous without Justice. But that Justice isn't just punishing the unjust. That it's also restoring and restoring to those who have been dealt with Unjustly and protecting the weak from Injustice. And apparently even correcting what is wrong inside myself. (But also good to learn that it is all better done when left up to God or Authorities, whenever possible. (Romans 12:14-21-Romans 13:1-7 (Remembering that Paul's Letters didn't originally have Chapters or Verses))) Anyway, I'll leave it there. Just also wanted to say, I'm still very much beginning to process this. I'd take all this with many grains of salt and pray and look into Scripture for yourself. But this is where I'm at at the moment. I wonder if anyone will even come across this lol. But anyway if anyone does see this, God bless you and your family and those around you, in Jesus name 🤍✝️🕊

In those days a slap on the check was the ultimate insult. Insults are one thing life threatening blows that could break bones are another altogether. Thank you.

the more of your videos I watch, the more I admire your mindset. God bless man.

I love these videos John - I try to watch one of your think pieces every day. The Army spends so much time trying to teach us how to do damage to others, it's easy to allow this mindset to carry over into everyday life where peace and compassion should be the default. Also, WRT your references to Jesus, I may be Jewish, but I was raised in Oklahoma and my best friends were Christians. I remember having these conversations as a kid and they are even more important now that I am an adult and have some modicum of power.

Great thoughts. I really agree. People tend to fall on the warrior side a little to much some times.

I know this won't be an answer but that fact itself is my point. We may not know how to react. We have to keep asking and even try to keep asking God about it. People usually want a sure answer but I think, feel God wants us to find him. What you pointed out are very important things to consider prior to facing the situations, but still we need to actively delay to make a simple answer and make some room for God to fill us in. When it happens, and if we ask, I believe he'll give us the best option we may be impossible to imagine!

There is great strength in apparent weakness.

You are right about not fighting back being a much greater display of strength. A lot of people don't see that. Yes I know nobody is supposed to put their hands on anyone but the thing is fighting back and beating them up will not stop them and it will only make things worse. I'm going to share with you some experiences. WHEN i was younger there was this boy who used to bully me and put his hands on me all the time one day I decided enough was enough and I stood up to him and I have put my hands on him after he put his hands on my but the reason I stopped fighting back is because even after I stood up to him it just didn't stop him from bullying me. So I just turned the other cheek waiting one day for karma to get him and it did. Another experience I had was in my freshman year of high school although this did not take place in high school. He was starting trouble with me and he punched me in the face now I didn't fight back for several reason's , 1. He ran away from me and he knew I couldn't catch him and 2. He had 2 of his friends with him and one of them was as big as me. But the reason he never tried that again was because when he punched me in the face I laughed and acted like it didn't hurt. Another experience I had was one where I was not on the recieving end. I was in 11 grade and it was my final class and out of nowhere I don't know why but this boy sitting next to me I hyper extended his arm and when he felt it nearly snap he got up and right in my face now I was not intimidated but I knee at that point I was wrong for doing that and that if he did beat me up I deserved it. But he was being stronger for not beating the mess out of me. He was aware of what he could do to me and he had to restrain himself from beating me up for what I did. After that I never did that to him again but I should never have done it to him in the first place. A lot of people think Martin Luther King was making us all weak with that turn the other cheek while people think Malcom X was making us stronger but ask yourself what do you think makes you stronger? Because if someone puts their hands on you , you could beat them up for it but that's not going to stop them and even if it does there will always be another person starting shit with you and then another person. One last experience I will share is one a friend of mine in 10th grade had. He was in Algebra class and 1 day the class was being disrupted and he was not in the mood that day next thing you know one student was arguing with him called him a bitch and he sat down and told him and I quote " Come over here and put your hands on me and see how much of one I really am" and the guy he was saying that to was bigger than him then he got right in his face then my friend stood up and the big guy put his hand right in his face and pushed him then my friend for a moment he acted lile he was not going to do anything laughed slightly then took a chair swung it and hit the dude right in the face with it and beat the bloody mess out of him and it took 6 guys to pull my friend off of that big guy and my friend got arrested , faced an assault charge , he didn't know he broke the guy's nose he didn't know he nearly killed him and the worst part was he got put in to alternative school with those city people that will fight you just to fight you and he tells me that is why he turns the other cheek now because he knows wjat he is capable of doing so somebody and he does not want to do that especially when he let's himself lose control like that and that comes back to bite him in the ass. Because he said being in that alternative school felt like prison. People that he knows will fuck him up on their own and even if he foight back they would still fuck with him and if they couldn't handle him on their own which they were able to they would get their friends to jump in and help them beat his ass and he said they will beat you senseless. Especially when it'll be 7 or more guys on your ass at once and some of them with weapons in their hands. He said that is why he turns the other cheek now.

Great video, great channel, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. God Bless You Brother, God Bless All ❤️

Awesome topic and these three things ,in my personal life, have held fundamental for this topic: first pride is never not a single time or circumstance a positive or beneficial thing. Never. Second keeping the goal or goals in mind at all times. Third being able to always live with the choices, and resulting outcomes, of all my decisions. There is so much detail to go into about these three things and how the relate to this lol but such things are not meant for a comment section awesome job sir!!

That's deep brother. I love the analogy of how much that would truly effect another person who was causing you harm, & the psychological & spiritual mark that would leave on the ...wow.

I really enjoy how you tie Christianity into some of your lessons. Keep up the good work! -Orlando, Jake G.

Brother in Christ John Lovell. Thanks for the video.. poignant for these times.... Amen.

I’ve struggled with this idea myself. It has been explained to me that turning the other cheek has to do with being disrespected or slapped not necessarily attacked and I think what you do is a good example of trying to find that balance.

A short video on how physically fit you should be before joining the army would be ideal

I have gotten into a heated debate with avowed pacifists. I was told I needed to repent from having guarded the life of a family member after receiving a death threat. The one who made the threat rebuked me with "Jesus says you can't stop me!" My response? " I will gladly send on your way to plead your case to him

It's always better to be the bigger person, but I view life as a precious gift. I believe if somebody threatens to take your life or the life of a innocent person you are morally obligated to protect that life. Having the courage to do that is a whole different thing though. That being said in most cases, being the bigger person walking away from a harmful situation is the best outcome for everyone.

great video! when I read that verse I always say that I would like to be that strong to turn the other cheek and who knows maybe someday I will be. I do totally agree with you though we must try and make the best decision for the circumstances. if all they want is a wallet give it up, but if that's not enough then well you have to do what you have to do! always great content, and when I get alert of something new always know it will be something good and get me thinking.

i have struggled with the same thoughts since i started carrying and have not come to a solid conclusion but great thoughts on your part. thanks

Amen brother in arms.

John, youre one AWESOME RANGER, God bless thee. Brother.

I could not agree more, time and place for everything.

you do good for my faith brother thank you

wise man once said.. " you got to know when to hold em, and know when to fold em" . actually wait, I don't know how wise he was, but in any case, wise words! Anyway, love your vids brother. You should have many, many more followers!

I love how you bring the Bible into the training, talks, etc.. your a great man, father, husband and friend.. just an all out right stand up guy... Your humor is like mine also... But we are alot alike...

That's why I'm a Tender Warrior... btw, that is a great book. Tender Warrior by Stu Weber. I highly recommend reading that book.

"...and the wisdom to know the difference."

The Bible and using a 9mm round as a pointer with Sun Tzu in the background - and Jesus teaching about turning the other cheek. LOVE IT!

awesome video! I really love the channel brother keep up all the amazing work!

I love your thought out, moral, and Christian point of view. Thanks for putting in all the work for the videos.

I am discovering that I found your channel for a reason John. Thank you.

Just got so motivated!

Recently found your channel. Great content, explained and illustrated well!

I have heard a pacifist take "Turn the other cheek" And expand it to "If a rapist wants your wife, present him your daughter also"

You are a good person so that is why you would feel wrecked if someone did that. But not everyone is that way. I imagine most people who would just randomly attack another person for no good reason would not feel as much remorse, if any, in the same situation.

Dang! Crushed it! Love your page, man. Thanks for all you share!

you remind me of my pastor to preaches well at an Nazarene denomination in Alabama but with firearms good antidote, I needed that after the day I had at work.

W.P. the world truly needs more people like you in it. Thank you

I believe some that commit acts against others reflect and feel remorse, but those that continuously commit acts do not. There are varying degrees of wrongful acts, some worse than others in modern day society's eyes. What can we live with as victims, we reach a point where we have to remove ourselves or fight back.

John your videos are truelly inspiring & thank GOD for you sir!

John, I really enjoyed this video. Recently watched the movie Hacksaw Ridge. So many points you made reminded me of that movie. I respect Mr Doss for staying true to his convictions even tho I don't necessarily agree with them myself. Like Jesus, no one dared call him weak. If you haven't seen the movie, I definitely recommend it! Love your videos!

Very balanced interpretation. 👍🏼👍🏼

Stronger. To fight. Most will say they will fight, but actually won't. Many will run, most will shut down and take it. If a friend struck me, he'll remember getting hit back I'm not trying to act tough, but this is what my personal experience has shown. I work as a bouncer in a not so nice ba. Many will step up and challenge someone else to fight, very few will follow through . Most won't ever throw a punch and others will give up when they get hit a few times. I believe in god and Christianity, but lets get real here

Bravo sir, the more of your vids I watch the more I like and respect you. Glad to call you a brother in Christ. Blessings to you and yours.

Luke 11:21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own mansion, his property is safe.” ☦️ ☦️ 💀 ⚔️

This is taken out of context a lot. Believe me I’ve had people try that on but they are pure cowards; expecting to beat on you and just stand there and take it but the moment you strike back they leap back in fear with terror on their face.

Turning the other cheek is the hardest thing to do and definitely the bravest, especially for a warrior! Eventually, every man runs out of cheeks.

That was a fascinating explanation, I've never understood it quite like that before. A time and a place.

I have struggled with the idea of using deadly force in self-defense even to the point of losing my own life. Risking my life to defend or protect others is more complicated. I think the most loving thing in the moment is always the answer - but that's not always easy to discern. If I had no family or dependents, it's easy - the evil man trying to kill me should be let to do so - I know where I'm going - letting him live means he still has opportunity to be saved. I don't need it. But, with a family, protecting them is first - to risk my life to protect others, I have to balance that against their ongoing dependence on me. As my children are getting older and my wife is more secure in our savings and so forth, the calculus is changing yet again. It's not easy.

I miss videos like this

John, just recently have been turned on to you. I live in Florida, have a daughter in Savannah and a son in the 82nd in NC. Newly minted Florida CWFL. I look forward to meeting you soon as a new student while on my travels to visit the kids. I've watched hours of your stuff, I really really dig your take on life, protection, Christianity and mindset. Keep it up, see you soon.

Indeed HE did, and in the right circumstances, so should we: while some would be "wrecked" by such a response, others would not. The problem is knowing what to do when .. On his return, do not expect a cheek-turning .. Be blessed, Brother ..

This came to me the other day. He also spoke of cutting off your hand, plucking out your eye, eating his flesh, drinking his blood and of course being born again. All of them shocking and confusing and difficult to human thinking. But they were spiritual, mental and behavioral instruction, as was "turning the other cheek". Which can be literal with a spouse,at times, but not as prudent in all cases with an adversary. That's why we have intellect, good sense, judgement, experience and His Spirit to turn to or use appropriately... He also told his crew to arm themselves on one journey, but also not to live by the sword. Using tactics and skill to not get to the point of a slap in the face seems like a good idea. Also, remember the time and people that he spoke to. Our world has progressed in concepts of diplomacy and behavior because of his teaching and Spirit. But was " eye for an eye" justice at that time.

Vulnerability. This is the only true courage.

John. Thank you.

Yah for that brother

Preach bro! I just found your channel and I'm hooked! Just Cuz you can doesn't always mean you should, right?

This is hands down your best video. 👍👍 more of this content please 🤔☺

'Turning the other cheek' can get you the results you want like you say in this video and it can be quite useful, unfortunately not all people are physically built to withstand multiple hits from someone, some can't even take one good well placed hit, especially if the other person is stronger, so this method is not for everyone in my opinion :)

Romans 12:21- Do not overcome with evil but overcome evil with good. Keep fighting the good fight MEN OF FAITH!!!

To me the word tuff today is described as who could stomp the other person the most. But I say what Jesus went through, and did for us, you cannot be more tuff than that.

Perfect example. The easiest thing to do most of time is to fight. One needs to be really strong to not choose the easiest path. I think that attitude is loving attitude to try to cure the other person. If the situation would be one wich the person is completely out of mind and will try to kill you anyway the only option is to fight.

Good thoughts. I understand the turning of the cheek speaks of taking insults, but there will be times that we have to submit to worse treatment for the sake of the Gospel.

Romans 12 : 20 is a good one that sticks with me

The way my dad taught it to me was that if I am struck turn the other cheek. If they strike again they intend real harm and they lay waste to them.

I have that same edition of TAOW in my bookshelf