From a neuroscience perspective, the object I love, devote myself to, and sacrifice for is an ‘extension of myself.’ The brain is inherently selfish. Selfishness is a necessary emotion and attitude for survival. Only when I exist can others exist. Yet, we often see people making sacrifices for others. How can I love someone other than myself? What I dedicate and sacrifice for someone is what my brain perceives as an ‘extended me.’ Ultimately, loving others is an extension of loving myself. Therefore, self-love becomes a foundation and a tool for loving others. If ‘self-love’ is healthy, then loving others is healthy too. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Jesus taught, “If you got slapped your right cheek, turn the other cheek.” One of the actions that the Jewish Qumran community denied and forbade was “pointing with the left hand.” Violations of this rule brought sanctions from the community. To hit the right cheek means the opponent strikes with an unclean left or right backhand. This cheek slap is deliberately insulting and humiliating rather than merely a pain-inflicting action. Therefore, this teaching of Jesus, “turn the other cheek,” suggests not allowing oneself to be struck by the back of the hand and can signify not being helpless but being active in nonviolent resistance without seeking revenge or retaliation. Perhaps this teaching carries a frightening meaning. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”