by, Isam Itson III
I was heartbroken when I heard about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Then I thought about thei passage.
“Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.” Romans 12:21.
Loving our enemies is the central theme of The Sermon on the Mount. And as exemplified by Jesus Christ and Dr. King, is crucial for positive social reform.
This mindset, of being willing to suffer and face social shame for doing good, exposes the inhumanity of our oppressors and the righteousness and justice of God revealed in the ministry and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Embracing the path of humility and sacrifice for the good of others and the glory of God, rather than succumbing to self-righteousness and violence in defense and pursuit of our own power and prestige, is the power of the cross and therefore essential for achieving legitimate social reform. This was the power that made the non violent activism of Dr. King so effective. The willingness to suffer for the sake of righteousness and justice.
If we keep fighting evil with evil, fighting violent self righteousness and injustice by justifying our own violent self righteousness and injustice, we feed the civil unrest which ultimately leads to civil war.
Escalating violence is the fruit of the evil of fighting for our power and prestige rather than living for the glory of God and trusting the love and power of God, revealed in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.