How do you interpret this?

Question

Matthew 5

38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Nina: did you read verse 40???

All those who mocked my previous question are now curiously silent.
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Answer 1

To me it means to ALWAYS act in kindness and that even if it costs you, you should always show to all others that you are a person of peace.

Not really followed, is it?

Answer 2

That's part of the Sermon on the Mount. For a study guide see http://www.bcbsr.com/survey/sgosp6.html

Answer 3

Jesus is trying to tell us that the Christian walk requires a sense of humility and giving, even to those who hate us. When we try to "get back" at our enemies, we are employing a sense of "pride" that God detests. Vengeance is His alone.

Answer 4

Minor insults can be handled by turning the cheek. Bigger stuff needs to be settled in the courts.