Responding To Political Violence: A Guide For Christians
In recent times, political violence has become increasingly rampant in our society. Do you have questions about what your response to political violence should be as a Christian? Keep reading this post for a guide on responding to political violence as a Christian.
We live in turbulent times. Christians have to face the reality of political violence and the war against Christian values. Some believers are torn between decisions on responding to political violence, whether to take a stand or curl back in fear. However, as Christians, we have Christ’s example to emulate.
4 Keys For Christians to Respond to Political Violence
We must look into the Bible to follow Christ’s example in responding to political violence as Christians. Jesus Christ had to face violence, and His life and teachings reflect how we should respond to political violence. Let’s consider four keys for Christians to respond to political violence from the Bible.
Love
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV
John 15:12 and Luke 10:27 also emphasize the above scripture about love. Jesus says love is the fulfillment of the law. He also commanded us not only to love those we like but also those who hate us, our enemies (Matthew 5:43-44). Loving our enemies is counter-culture, but it is the way our Lord commanded. Our response to political violence should be love. We must frown at the violence and love the people, just as Christ did.
Avoid Violence
Jesus did not encourage believers to respond to evil with violence. Rather, he commands us to go the extra length by turning the table in patient love. Our faith teaches us to respond to evil with good.
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. – Matthew 5:38-39 NKJV
Going the extra length will reveal the evil and help you show up, not as a subject anymore, but as a master. When you turn the other cheek, you overcome evil with good. Political Violence must never make believers violent.
Forgiveness
To respond to political violence the way Jesus would, we must forgive those who hurt us. Jesus was condemned, beaten, and crucified for offences he never committed, but he forgave. Also, Jesus commanded us to forgive others just as he forgave us (Matthew 6:12). Our faith in Christ is hinged on His forgiveness. We must not withhold it from others. When we experience hurt from political violence, our response should be to forgive.
Prayer
The essence of prayer is to communicate with God. As we commune with God in prayer, our lives are transformed. Through prayer, we can give love and forgiveness to those that hurt us. Also, Jesus commands us to pray for our enemies. (Matthew 5:43-44). Prayer can also change situations. By praying about the difficult circumstances surrounding the political violence we experience, God will provide healing and comfort—Jesus also prayed for those who persecuted him during His crucifixion. Prayer is a critical response to political violence that believers should embrace.
Conclusion
Political Violence has become rampant in our society. Christians must follow Jesus’s example. The Bible is our guide to following Christ’s example. This post describes four keys for Christians to respond to political violence. Visit GodKulture to read more inspiring articles.
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