"But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword."
Matthew 26:51
These words of Christ are much more inclusive than they may appear. Swords don't have to be drawn. Fists not need be clenched in anger. Words can cut far
deeper than any physical weapon. The verbal battles that we wage can
often turn more violent than entire wars. And the wounds that are
inflicted are far worse than amputated limbs, shrapnel scars or
paralyzed bodies.
Violence is violence.
Physical. Emotional. Spiritual.
The antithesis of God's Kingdom.
"Love your enemies", but only if they look like you, sound like you, smell like you, believe like you, and above all else, agree with you 100%.
When we put conditions on love, we create something that's not really love at all. Love has no conditions. Love cuts through the differences. Love breaks down walls that divide. Love transforms.
As I've journeyed through Lent this year, I am remind that our words can do more damage than the sword. Let's encourage one another by our words, rather than tearing each other down. And let us remember that everyone is worthy of our love, even the most despised of enemies. In fact, they may need it more than our closest friend.
Lord, You were met with violence of deed as well as word. Help us to do away with all violence in our lives; whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Pacify our actions, words and hearts that we may live in peace with all.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
"Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him."
Matthew 26:65-67
Escalation. Pride's evil and deceptive ways widen. With each choice that Pride makes, the tensions in our relationships escalate. With each move of Pride, the battle is fueled and the ante is raised. More troops are sent in. We launch more offensives. Relationships don't die; they are murdered. Sin stands guilty as a war criminal. GUILTY.
Anger gives birth to accusation.
Accusation gives birth to action.
Action gives birth to violence.
Violence gives birth to death.
Another relationship causality in the war of selfishness, with Pride leading the way.
We count the costs of the war. We see the destruction. And yet we choose each weapon with great care, hoping for victory.
Pride - 1 Relationships - 0
Lent reveals to us that things are often backwards in the Kingdom of God. Pride has no place at the table. War in our relationships is unthinkable. Escalation becomes pacifism. And death becomes life. By living our lives through Christ, we find less need to slaughter our relationships, and more desire to heal them. We disarm ourselves, dismantle our military and end violence of any kind. Through Christ, we cherish each relationship as something of great value, more valuable than the temporary possessions we accumulate for ourselves. We count the cost of war, and realize that it's not worth it.
Anger gives birth to forgiveness.
Forgiveness gives birth to unity.
Unity gives birth to community.
Community gives birth to life.
Lord, we realize that one of the most tragic losses in the war of Pride is relationships. So often we sacrifice those closest to us in order to protect the self. Help us to lay down our weapons and seek peace. Help us to cherish each relationship we have as more valuable than anything we possess, even life itself. Amen.
