Longing: A lonely heart can be filled by someone, but a longing heart is a heart that cannot be filled by ‘the particular person.’ When the mind feels strange, it is important to first determine whether the feeling stems from a lack of self-generated needs or from not being filled by the object of longing. Loneliness can progress easily, but longing carries a high risk of self-destruction if not handled carefully. - 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”