Luke’s Gospel account, written mainly for non-Jews, puts Jesus’ words more generally: “To him that strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also.” (Luke 6:29a) This applies to, not merely an insulting slap, but rather blows struck in violence. In either case, Jesus’ counsel was to ‘turn the other cheek.’ He desired that his followers be willing to endure personal insult and injury without resorting to retaliation. In this way they could imitate Jesus himself, of whom the apostle Peter writes: “When he was being reviled, he did not go reviling in return. When he was suffering, he did not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously.”​—1 Pet. 2:23; compare Isaiah 50:6.

Luke’s account of Jesus’ words allow for application even outside court proceedings: “From him that takes away your outer garment, do not withhold even the undergarment.” (Luke 6:29b) Luke may have had in mind persons accosted on the road by highwaymen who would rob them of their outer garments. Rather than fighting against such confiscation of perhaps expensive clothing, Jesus’ disciples would do better to go beyond what was demanded and give up “even the undergarment.” This might save their lives when confronted by dangerous criminals, or have other beneficial effects.​—Prov. 15:1; Matt. 5:16.

However, the Son of God did not mean that people should refuse ever to engage in litigation or that they should otherwise allow wicked persons to reduce them to a state of poverty. We note that the apostle Paul did not understand Jesus to mean that, for Paul appeared before Roman officials in his efforts to ‘defend and legally establish the good news.’ (Phil. 1:7; compare Acts 25:8-12.) Christians may take legal action against worldly men or authorities to claim what rightfully belongs to them. However, in doing so they would not act belligerently, but, rather, peaceably. In everyday life, though, Christians must develop a yielding disposition.​—Rom. 12:17-19.