Blessed are the peacemaker
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
-Matthew 5:38-42
In our book study on The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we’ve been studying the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew, chapters 5-7. Jesus has some hard things to say to us … words of challenge, words of grace and justice, words of life.
I once heard it said that a justice system that believes, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” leaves everyone blind and toothless. Jesus taught that there is a better way through grace and love. In no way does Jesus condone violent behavior. Violence in any form–verbal, mental, physical–is still wrong. But that doesn’t mean we have to return violence for violence.
It was brought up that both Martin Luther King Jr. with the civil rights movement and Ghandi’s efforts to help India were nonviolent acts of protest, who both looked to the way of Christ. In actuality, peaceful revolution has a much better chance of success than using violence to achieve your goals. History as taught us this.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
-Matthew 5:9
Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Ron