Events of recent days have brought out the best and the worst of many people. As I read the comments and listen to the news casts I have been both thrilled and disheartened at how people are reacting to a tragedy and human suffering. In the wake of the shootings in Tuscan - in the aftermath of behavior stemming from the “broken” mind a delusional person - and the assault of a Federal leader, some have reacted like Jesus and some have missed the point.
In The Apostle Peter’s first letter, to the new Jesus’ followers in Asia, he points them to Jesus’ actions when He was arrested and accused as the example to follow in our communication – especially in times of distress. The Peter who writes – “do not retaliate or be defensive” - is the same young man who cut off the ear of the guard trying to arrest Jesus. This Peter is the same guy who swore he didn’t know Jesus when confronted while Jesus was on trial before His death. This is the same man who dejectedly “went back to fishing” after Jesus was crucified and led all the other Disciples there until Jesus showed up to call him back. The one writing these words is the same angry, fearful, struggling Peter.
‘To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." For "you were like sheep going astray," but now you have returned to the Shepherd and the Overseer of your souls.’ (Peter to the Jesus Followers in Asia Minor who were being martyred - 1 Peter 2:21-25)
How different would our world be if we all determined that we were no longer going to be defensive or caustic in our communication? What would life be like if we refused to blame, slander, snipe, or gossip? Would you like to live in a world where we allowed the Holy Heavenly Father to make the final judgments and corrections? What if we focused on loving God, our neighbor, enemy, and self? Can you imagine a world where we were rushing to forgive and not accuse?
I can – it is called the Kingdom of Heaven and it is here among us right now and is experienced in the heart and mind of those following Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit. There is no need to defend yourself – Jesus is doing that for you. There is no need to retaliate – Jesus is doing that for you. Don’t talk back or argue – Jesus has made truth known and you are already validated. If you are a Follower of Jesus you are already on the right side of truth and hope. Stop fighting – you have arrived.
My mother used to say that “if you are right you don’t have to argue." Way to go mom! You were the right one! (Isn’t it funny how your parents get smarter as you get older?) That is the way I want to be and I want to follow leaders who are that way too. That is how we can find the hope and peace we are designed to enjoy together.
Pray for the families of those who died needlessly because someone needed to “retaliate.” Pray for those recovering from wounds inflicted by a troubled mind. Pray for our leaders as they set the pace as “peace-makers.” Pray for our culture that we might become people who do not defend but who are “quick to listen and slow to speak – slow to become angry.”
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