It would be unusual to go through life and never experience criticism or be insulted. Getting into fights, either physically or verbally, is almost impossible to avoid, especially during childhood. The most natural response is to strike back because criticism and insults attack some aspect of a person's character and self-esteem.
Criticism rarely produces positive results. Children growing up under these conditions seldom respect the parent and may become vengeful, angry adults. Correcting behavior in children through teaching acceptable boundaries has positive results, however, because it doesn’t attack their self-esteem or character.
How can you turn the other cheek when experiencing criticism? One way to deal with disapproval or rejection is to look for the truth in the criticism. When you accept the truth, then you are emotionally and spiritually turning the other cheek. Jesus tells you to do what is unnatural and difficult because that’s what he did for you.
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Jesus said, "To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff."
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