A late term abortion doctor was shot dead in a church in Kansas. This caused many accusations pointing to “fanatical fundamentalist” Christians.  Nobody can say for sure if the killer was Christian (by name, as a real Christian will not kill) or not. It is still everyone’s guess whether it is a smear campaign or a hate kill. All speculations on this case are not important. What is important is that true Disciples of Christ do not condone violence.

            We may live in a world that will “hate” us, as they hated our Lord first. Fighting back with violence is not an option. Violence will only defeat our purpose and witness. Violence is not only impractical but also immoral. Seeking to retaliate with violence does nothing but intensifies the existence of evil and hate in the universe. We, true Disciples of Christ, must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate and evil. The only way is through the love of Christ, lived out in our lives.

            I firmly believe that “he who lives by the sword will perish by the sword.” The Lord said clearly that “vengeance is mine and I will repay.”  We have to learn to leave the injustice to the wrath of God. It may not be the way we would have done it, but are we better than the Lord?

            When we handle matters according to the rules of engagement, we are always above board. In engaging with a raging world, there are times that we win and times that we lose. Which ever is the case; we should hold to a nonviolent attitude and keep the primacy of love. God must be our guide, our rock on which we depend. We keep to prayer, praying that justice will be done and that righteousness will stand.

            In a world that increasingly leans towards evil – war, abortion, poverty, euthanasia- will we be able to maintain a spirit of peace, reconciliation and respect in protecting the unprotected? Most certainly is not by ourselves. It would have to be a work of God; it would have to be spiritual movement.

 God bless!