Mercy and Enemies
The reality of persecution raises important questions. How should disciples of Jesus react, especially when persecuted by the State? Is resorting to anger or acts of civil disobedience appropriate, or should they instead emulate examples from the life of Christ? Jesus warned that all men who decided to follow him would experience “tribulation” (“If they persecuted me, so they will persecute you”).
His disciples must conform their lives to his
example by “taking up the cross.” If they refuse to do so, they are “not
worthy of me.” It is a “blessing” and not a curse to suffer for him
though this is contrary to the “wisdom of this world” - (Matthew 16:24).
[Mercy - Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash] |
His disciples are called to “rejoice and be glad” when persecuted since “great is their reward in heaven.” Following Jesus causes opposition, thus his followers should not be surprised when persecution comes. However, minds under the dominion of sin and addicted to the values and ideologies of this age see suffering as a curse. Only the eye of faith perceives that persecution produces everlasting rewards in the “age to come.”
The teachings of Jesus about suffering and
persecution are echoed in the writings of the Apostles. For example, the church
in Thessalonica received the Gospel in “much tribulation,” nevertheless,
its members welcomed the message despite hostility. In this way, they became “imitators”
of him, and instead of anger or dismay, they embraced a way of discipleship characterized
by suffering - (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
By enduring persecution, the Thessalonians
became “imitators” of the earlier saints “in Judea…who suffered the
same things by their fellow countrymen” - (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16).
After being compelled to leave the city, Paul
sent Timothy to assess the situation. He wanted no one to “shrink back in
these tribulations. For you yourselves know that we are appointed for this… We are destined to suffer tribulation.”
Years later, he expressed similar sentiments
to Timothy as he pointed to his sufferings as a pattern for other believers to imitate,
for “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”
- (2 Timothy 3:10-12).
The Biblical hope is forward-looking. Everlasting rewards are received in the “age
to come.” Suffering in the present is not pleasant, but it “is a slight
momentary affliction preparing us for an everlasting weight of glory beyond all
comparison” - (2 Corinthians 4:17, Revelation 22:12).
Biblically speaking, suffering “unjustly” is a sign of Divine approval, evidence that one is a disciple of Jesus. “When you do right and suffer for it patiently, you have God's approval.”
To endure rejection is what it means to
follow the Lord who “also suffered for you, leaving you an example to follow.”
God has graced us
to suffer for His kingdom - (Philippians 1:28-29, 1 Peter 2:19-20).
THE CORRECT RESPONSE
Being human, we instinctively respond in
kind to personal and corporate attacks. Society sees self-defense and
retaliation as necessary and even morally praiseworthy reactions to threats and
attacks.
Nevertheless, Jesus prohibited his
disciples from retaliating, and he provided no exceptions to the rule. Revenge
may be the “way the world works,” but we are summoned to live in an entirely different
fashion. When we are persecuted, we are to “love our enemies and pray for
those who persecute us.” It is by showing mercy to our enemies that we emulate
God and become “perfect” like Him - (Matthew 5:44-48).
Likewise, Paul exhorted the disciples of
Rome to “bless them that persecute, bless and do not curse.” We are
to “render no one evil for evil.” God’s justice is not blind, but we must
“not avenge” ourselves. Instead, we must leave justice in the hands of the
God who will “repay” if, how, and when He sees fit - (Romans 12:14-21).
Peter pointed to the death of Jesus as the
ultimate example of how we must respond to hostility and persecutors, for “this
you have been called because Christ also suffered for you leaving an example”
- (1 Peter 2:19-23).
We respond to evil with evil if we
view opponents as “enemies,” but we must recall what we once were. No
one is born a disciple. We are all converts. Previously, we were “enemies”
of God, and we were only reconciled to Him “by the death of his Son.” He
died for us “while we were yet sinners” - (Romans 5:6-10).
[Photo by Chandan Chaurasia on Unsplash] |
Our true “enemies” are not “blood and flesh, but the principalities, the authorities, the world-holders of this darkness.” Human agents unwittingly carry out acts of aggression on behalf of their demonic overlords. On the Cross, Jesus did not overthrow the political enemies of Israel. Instead, he triumphed over “the principalities and powers” that have enslaved humanity since Adam’s disobedience in Eden.
Through Jesus, God is reconciling fallen men
to Himself, and He has bequeathed the ministry of reconciliation to the Body of
Jesus Christ, his Church. Since we have received mercy, who better to show
mercy to our persecutors?
When persecution does come, we must not
respond with belligerence, rage, and especially not with violence. We
cannot “overcome evil with evil.” When we react to hostility with rage
and violence, Satan triumphs, and we demonstrate just whose disciple we are and
thereby discredit Jesus and his Gospel.
RELATED POSTS:
- Imitating Jesus - (The submission of Jesus to an unjust death is the pattern for the love and service to others that disciples are called to imitate)
- Afflicted Disciples - (The disciple who faithfully bears witness to the Gospel and Jesus will endure tribulation and persecution for his sake)
- His Path - (Jesus proclaimed a new political reality, the Kingdom of God, one that bears little resemblance to the political systems of this age)
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