Daily Devotional

-January 18, 2021-

Good morning, happy Monday, happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day,

-Jesus Preached Non-Violence-

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”

(Matthew 5:38-39).

Today being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is a good time to remember, that our Lord Jesus Christ taught and practiced non-violence. Christians down through the centuries and to the present day, have been persecuted for their faith in Christ. Jesus never advocated armed conflict nor any other violence, retaliation, or revenge.

In the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord took the law one step further. He did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it. In Matthew 5:17-18 Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. Assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

Our Lord said, “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the the other to him also.” The natural inclination is to fight back, retaliate against those who wrong us, and seek revenge. Jesus taught the exact opposite. In fact, Matthew 5:44 tells us, “But I say to you love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:17-21, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he thirsty, give a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Paul never fought back nor did abdicate violence. He suffered much persecution in his life and service for the Lord. He was beaten, stoned, and imprisoned. We should follow Jesus’ and Paul’s teachings. When we show love not hate, good not evil, compassion not retaliation, our testimony for Christ will shine brightly.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a pastor, preacher, and socialist activist on behalf of black people. He preached and practiced non-violence. He led the movement and suffered much. Sadly, one who abdicated non-violence died a violent death of an assassin’s bullet. His legacy lives on in our country and among black people and people of all races. Even when others promoted violence, he stood firm and did not. We need more men like him today! There is power in love!

May the Lord help us to be prayerful, loving, non-violent people who preach the gospel of the love of Christ, and practice what we preach. Let us overcome evil with good.

Have a wonderful and blessed day, remembering our mission and how God wants us to treat others with love. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean