Patience and Endurance
Kato Mivule | March 26, 2012
One of the greatest temptations for the Christians, for hundreds of years, from Constantine, the Crusades, to this day, has been the notion of defending the Church by way of the sword. However, the Kingdom of God is not defended by swords, guns, and any means of violence as Jesus stated. Sometimes the best defense is patience and endurance of tribulations just like Jesus did.
This is in no way to trivialize standing up to voice for the rights of freedom of religion and Christians per say, especially in countries that are intolerant to Christians. Such endeavors are highly welcome and must be encouraged.
The problem is when such issues get too over-politicized and result in calls for violence as a way forward; and that is what Jesus objected to - the use of violence as a means to defend the Kingdom of God. However, a better way, a Christ-like way is the patience and endurance of trials and tribulations.
John 18: 10-11: (NLT) 10 Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. 11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?”
John 18: 36 (NLT) Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
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