5:38-42 How are we to understand this?

This is the code of conduct Jesus stipulates that Christians follow when anyone infringes on their personal rights (cp Lk 6:27-30).

Christians are to surrender their personal rights and offer no retaliations to affronts against their dignity.

Rather than retaliate, we are to adopt God’s approach and love even those who are our enemies (cp Mt 5:43-48 with Pr 25:21-22 and Ro 12:19-21).