> Matthew 5:39-41: Critics interpret Jesus' commands to turn the other cheek, give your tunic, and go the extra mile as directives to tolerate injustice and be a doormat. Taken in their social context, these commands require no such things.

The teaching essentially says: do not compete with evildoers by trying to outdo them in terms of getting back at them. All three examples refer to what amount to inconvenient, but perfectly legal, impositions. The 'slap on the cheek' is a type of personal insult, so turning the other cheek is a command not to trade insults, but to take the higher ground. It is not a license to allow yourself to be physically assaulted. The cloak/tunic instruction relates to providing surety of repayment for a justly-decided debt, even to enemies. Finally, the double-mileage command refers to the legal right a Roman soldier had to make a person carry their belongings for one mile. The teaching is to do it without complaint, prioritizing testimony as a member of God's kingdom over mild inconveniences or insults.

> Luke 6:27-28: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Taken in their social context, these commands require no such things [as being a doormat]. "Resist not evil" is a well-known Jewish proverb (Ps. 37:1, 8; Prov. 24:19) and actually means, do not compete with evildoers by trying to outdo them in terms of getting back at them. Three examples for the teaching follow: Turn the other cheek; if someone sues you for your cloak, also give them your tunic; if you are forced to go one mile, go two. All three of these things refer to what amount to inconvenient, but nevertheless perfectly legal, impositions on the person. The "slap on the cheek" is a type of personal insult, so that the command to turn the other cheek is essentially a command not to start trading insults, but take the higher ground and turn away from the exchange.

It is not a license to allow yourself to get beat up. The cloak/tunic bit must be recognized in terms of the ancient Jewish customary process of making good pledge on one's debts by handing over a valuable item as collateral; for most people in this time, items of clothing were the only thing suitable. In essence, the teaching is to provide surety of repayment of a justly-decided debt, even to those who are enemies.

Finally, the double-mileage command refers in context to the legal right a Roman soldier had to make any person carry their belongings for up to one mile. As you might imagine, this was not a popular requirement in the neighborhood of Palestine, but it was the law, and the teaching again is in essence, do it, and do it without complaint, even though the Roman is your enemy.

Consider that your resultant testimony as a member of God's kingdom is far more important than a few mild inconveniences or insults to your person.