“Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” (Matthew 5:39)

Dear Beloved Church Family,

I am pastor Sophia. What a week of weather we have had! Just yesterday it felt like summer—almost 80 degrees—and suddenly we are having snow again. It reminds me that life can change quickly. Yet in the middle of all these changes, one thing remains constant: God’s love never changes.

This week I have been reflecting on Jesus’ teaching that sounds almost impossible: “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.”

At first glance, this teaching can feel uncomfortable. Our instinct is to protect ourselves, defend ourselves, or even get a little revenge. Yet Jesus invites us into the way of surprising grace.

There is a touching story about this. A woman was standing in a long grocery store line after a tiring day. Suddenly, the man behind her began complaining loudly.

“You’re taking too long! Some people have places to go!”

The woman felt embarrassed. She could have snapped back and said, “Then go to another line!”

Instead, she turned around and said gently,
“I’m sorry. It’s been a long day for me too. You can go ahead of me if you’d like.”

You can guess what happened. The man looked surprised. After a moment he said quietly,
“No… that’s okay. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken like that.”

The tension in the line disappeared.

Sometimes the most powerful response is unexpected grace. When someone expects a fight and instead receives grace, it confuses them in the best possible way.

This is the heart of what Jesus is teaching. “Turning the other cheek” is not about weakness; it is about to stop the cycle of anger. It is the strength to answer harshness with dignity and kindness.

So, God wants us to have the power of cutting off the cycle of violence and anger. In a world that often says, “Pay them back,” Christ teaches us to say, “Surprise the world with love.”

In these unpredictable weather changes, I encourage all of us to remember our steady calling: to reflect the patient, generous, and surprising love of Christ.

I am very much looking forward to worshiping with you so that Christ’s peace will warm our hearts—whether the day feels like summer or suddenly looks like winter. Amen.

Sophia (Seung Hae) Yoo-Hess
43987 Little River Turnpike, Chantilly, Virginia
Office) (703)3274461