“And If Any Man Will Sue Thee at the Law and Take Away Thy Coat Let Him Have Thy Cloak Also”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

This is the Master’s counsel to avoid confrontations and counterattacks where possible. Though the Saints are in no way called upon to become the doormats of society, yet they are directed here to avoid reviling or striking back at an enemy. In short, it is better to be slightly inconvenienced or even to suffer some pain than to engage another in strife and tumult.

“And unto him who smiteth thee on the cheek, offer also the other; or, in other words, it is better to offer the other, than to revile again. And him who taketh away thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also. For it is better that thou suffer thine enemy to take these things, than to contend with him. Verily I say unto you, Your heavenly Father who seeth in secret, shall bring that wicked one into judgment.” (JST, Luke 6:29-30, italics added.)

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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