Ponder This: How does Jesus call us to respond to violence, fear, and hatred?
Scripture To Consider:
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" -Matthew 5:9
Reflections From The PrayerBowl Team:
Jesus asks us to turn the other cheek in Matthew 5:39 in the Sermon on the Mount. This is the opposite of an eye for an eye in the Old Testament. He tells us in Matthew 5:44, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Jesus also shared in John 15:13 that the greatest love is demonstrated by laying down one's life for their friends. Jesus tells us in Mathew, Mark, and Luke to love God with all your heart and to love our neighbor. Jesus focused on love.
Jesus also shows us a powerful serenity when he overturns the tables of the money changers and drives the sacrificial animals out of the room. Some see this as violence; I see it as loving justice. Justice for the millions of pilgrims who make the long journey to Jerusalem each year and are taken advantage of by the money changers and high priests. It's bad enough that the pilgrims have to pay high taxes to the Romans, but to be taxed by their own on Passover is cruel. Jesus feels for these people who are barely able to get by, and for those who cannot, they borrow from the high priests at very high interest rates. If they can't make the payments, the high priests take their land and possessions. Jesus understood the financial pressure these people were under. He tended to them like a shepherd protected his sheep from predators. He did not become violent; he calmly stood up for his people who were there to worship the Father.
In 1980, the Commodores wrote a song called Jesus Is Love. There is a line, "'Cause Jesus is Love, He won't let you down." This is how I see Jesus. He is the King of justice, and He is love. Today is 9/11. Twenty-four years ago, we witnessed the unimaginable. We sat in front of our TVs, distraught, angry, and in shock. We know there is a battle every single day between good and evil. We know good prevails. We know Jesus prevails, and we get to live with him for eternity. The evildoers do not get to live with Jesus. Their justice is in Hell. There is hope for the future because of Jesus' promises. He will never abandon us.
Jesus is Love by the Commodores 1980
-----------------------------------------------------
Following the example of Jesus when responding to violence and hatred is extremely hard. It is especially tough today, Sept 11th, as I reflect and feelings of anger bubble up, or when I read about the heartbreaking circumstances reported by two of our charities, A21, which fights against human trafficking, and Mary Lee's House, a child advocacy and trauma center. These organizations deal with some of the most heinous acts of violence and hatred in our society. In times like these, I would like to have an "instant consequence button" for evil behavior, but when I read God's word, I see that Christ asks me to respond differently. Christ rejected retaliation and chose to forgive in the face of hatred. In his teachings, he says:
If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other one for them to slap too, instead of hitting back (Matthew 5:39)
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28)
In his life, Jesus exemplified what he expects from us. When Peter cuts the ear off the servant who was coming to arrest Jesus, we see Jesus remind Peter that his Father is the one he calls on for help. In Luke, we read that Jesus even touched the servant's ear and healed him. As Christians, we also know that Jesus died to cover all of our sins. He was betrayed by a friend, denied by a follower, mocked, rejected, beaten, struck, spat on, whipped, and crucified. He took it all, not only for those who had already chosen to follow him, but for all people, even those who intentionally hurt him, even his greatest enemies. Just as He did, Jesus calls us to respond in love, trusting that one day the final judgment will come.
-----------------------------------------------------
When we look around the world, depending on the day, it can feel overwhelming. Violence, fear, and hatred seem to surround us. In the Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew 5:7) Jesus gives us a different vision: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” In (Matthew 5:9) He calls us not to add to the chaos, but to spread His peace.
One of my favorite Christian songs since childhood, “Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin with Me,” reflects this message so beautifully. This simple line captures the heart of Jesus’ teaching. Peace starts in our own hearts. If we want to see peace in the world, it must begin with the way we live, speak, and love in our everyday lives.
Jesus never promised life would be easy, but He did teach us how to walk through it with patience, compassion, and love. He was also a great listener, sometimes listening is all it takes to open the door to peace.
Jesus forgave His enemies by showing us His ultimate sacrifice. “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Following Jesus, means we are called to do the same, to forgive when we would rather hold a grudge, to speak gently instead of raising our voices, and to seek reconciliation when it would be easier to walk away.
I do not always find this to be easy. Choosing peace feels like the harder at times. But when we sow peace, we plant seeds of God’s Kingdom in the world around us. Instead of responding to hate with more hate, we can answer with love. Instead of spreading fear, we can spread trust in God’s presence. Instead of making the division bigger, we can bring people together. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus, the Perfect Peacemaker.
I often remember the words of Mr. Rogers, who said that in times of trouble, we should “look for the helpers.” Helpers are the ones who step in with kindness, compassion, and courage when there is darkness. Jesus calls us to be—His helpers in bringing peace. I know it makes me feel happier when I can do this for others.
I continue to ask the Lord to help me to be a peacemaker in a time that is often filled with anger and fear. I ask Him to give me the strength to forgive, the patience to listen, and the courage to love even those who hurt me. I need His peace to fill my heart and flow into the lives of those around me. With His help and understanding I try to do this, and though I fail at times, I know He continues to guide me and teach me.
