My mother taught me an invaluable lesson. She explained that if I were to apologize and explain why I was so angry that it would be on the record, so to speak. The principal would, of course, read it and questions would be raised. It wasn’t a counter punch as much as a smart way to rail against the system, as it were. So I wrote the apology and included a lengthy explanation of what I felt were wrongs against me. It didn’t make what I did right but it did make a difference. The teacher pulled me aside not long after I turned it in. She waved it in my face and said “You call this an apology?” She all but accused me of making it all up but said it would suffice and it was accepted. I suspect that the principal asked her about all that I had said. The bullying was also put to a stop much quicker afterwards.

It was a powerful lesson and one that has helped me in this age of faceless attacks. I think “turn the other cheek” must be read with “don’t let the sun go down on your anger”. Turn the other cheek doesn’t mean “sit there and take it”. If that’s what it meant Jesus would have kept silent when the Pharisees accused him of being Satan himself.

I have always read it to mean “be the bigger person and walk away”. While you don’t need to apologize, you do need to not let the sun go down on the situation. If I were you I would pick a time for you and David to sit down and talk about what was said. Don’t let it stew or for any sinful thoughts to creep in. Then write a letter. Not one of anger but one of closure. Correct the record, say your piece, and move on. Let your passion come through as you do here so well. Either they will accept your letter and learn or they will disagree and respond any number of ways. Regardless, if you agree to disagree and part ways things are better for you in the end. Let them heap coals on their heads and stew for you have turned your other cheek. Let them strike it too, for you have not sinned in your response to the first strike. I pray wisdom for you both in this.