Morgan continued today with the 3rd mark of the early church, non-violence.  Edwin Stanton was an enemy of Abe Lincoln.  He took every opportunity to embarrass and humiliate Mr. Lincoln.  When President Lincoln was elected, he selected Edwin Stanton as his Sec of War.  Many advisors thought this was foolish and tried to convince Pres. Lincoln to select someone else.  President Lincoln's response was "He is the best man for the job."  Pres Lincoln could have retaliated.  He had the power to destroy Edwin Stanton, but instead he placed him in a position of power.  He rose above hate.  When Pres Lincoln was killed, Edwin stated "He was one of hte greatest that ever lived."  He chose redemptive love.  
In today's world, hitting back is expected and celebrated  We take turns takign shots at each other.  We are socialized by retaliation and revenge.  We are socialized that violence is the best solution.  

Jesus is calling us to be counter-cultural.  
We reviewed all the scriptures basically stating an "eye for an eye."  Lev 24:17-22, Exodus 12: 23-24, Deut. 19: 21.  
These were created for the courts of law for Justice.  They were also created to prevent revenge by the victim because our natural response has always been retaliation.  
Jesus said these laws are for the courts but not my disciples.  
"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind."  Ghandi
Matthew 5: 38-48....Jesus tells us to take a different path.  Vs 39 talks about turning the other cheek.  Backhanded slaps were to humiliate and shame, yet we are to turn and allow the other side to be hit.  
Vs 40 we are told if someone takes your shirt to give your coat as well.  This also shows us to not be wrapped up in possessions.  
Vs 41 states if we are told to go a mile, then go 2.  Ethnic Jews oppressed by the Roman empire often had to carry a pack for a mile.  Jesus said to carry it for 2 miles.  
All 3 of these are humiliating and offensive.  How are we to respond?  
Romans 14:21.  We are to bless those who persecute us and live in harmony with one another.  We are not to repay evil with evil.  "I will repay" says the Lord.  
3 things we can do:  
#1:  Lay down your rights.  America is all about "our rights."  Our primary allegience is not to the USA, it's to Jesus.  
We are to be a peple willign to turn the other cheek for Jesus.  Gal 5: 13-15
#2:  Respond in a surprisingly creative and generous way.  This takes spiritual maturity.  Do not just fight or flight.  Respond courageously with love.  
Morgan used Rosa Parks as an example.  She didn't stand down.  She had dignity and made a decision to respond with creative resistance.  When we retaliate, we demenish our humanity in the process. 
Vs 43 commands us to love our enemy.  It is seen as patriotic to hate your enemy.  If you only love those like you, you are no better than anyone else.  Christians are to be known by their love.  We are to pray for those who have wronged us.  
Vs 45:  God doesn't just care for you.  He died for all of us....the abused, the abuser, the lunched, the lynch mob, the oppressed, the oppressor, etc.  
We have all hurt people.  God's love is for everyone.  
Practical take-aways to cultivate a life of non-violence:  

Non-violence is not about effectiveness, it's about faithfulness.  We can't advance God's kingdom through the sword. 

 

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