The Law of Moses is famous for retribution according to the rule, and eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth (Ex 21:24). However, there are other elements of the Law of Moses which taught a higher code of conduct. One example taught the people not to seek revenge, Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart…Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Lev. 19:17-18). This higher law within the lower law was what some Nephites chose to follow. Their ability to “turn the other cheek” showed that they understood the spirit of the higher law even before it was given in its fullness by the Savior (3 Nephi 12:39).
"Although most of us don’t have to deal with persecution, we are often ‘provoked’ by small things. Rudeness, nagging, disobedience, waiting, disagreements, disappointment, and unfulfilled expectations can irritate us, particularly when we are tired, sick, or in a hurry.
"At such times, our first impulse may be to react with irritation, anger, or contention. But we can choose to react instead with charity and not be ’easily provoked.’ (Moro. 7:45.) We can turn the other cheek (see Matt. 5:38-39) and respond with patience and kindness.
"How do we develop a spirit of charity that keeps us from being provoked? One approach is to concentrate on ways to control our anger or impatience. Taking a deep breath and stopping to think for a moment before speaking sometimes helps. Getting in the habit of…returning good for evil drains the heart of anger.
“By learning to avoid contention and to control our anger, we stop evil from being passed along and become more like the Savior, whose sacrifice of self made eternal life possible for all who come unto him and emulate his example.” (Ensign, July 1988, p. 47)