Responding…

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

We have suffered much violence, political and otherwise, of late.  Much of it aimed directly at Christianity.  We have lamented and bemoaned the violence.  But the time has come to think about what to do.

Arthur Brooks, as he so often does, masterfully looks at the best response.  In the words of Christ, “Love your enemies.”  He examines it in detail and I urge you to read that piece in its entirety.  The core:

The correct standard is one we already know. It comes from the Gospel of Matthew, and it is the most radical, transgressive teaching ever: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” To explain this sentiment, we turn to Martin Luther King Jr., who invoked the passage in a 1957 sermon. “Like,” King said, is an affectionate emotion. It’s conditional on action. Love, on the other hand, is “redemptive.” And only when we love our enemies can we redeem them—and ourselves. Liking is sentimental. Loving is a decision—a commitment.

But Brooks does not fully examine the cost of loving your enemy, and we should be prepared.  He quotes Martin Luther King, Jr. – killed for his stance.  Charlie Kirk – killed for his stance.  He quotes Jesus – killed for His stance.  When loving your enemy is asymmetrical – that is one side does and the other side doesn’t – well, sacrifice is generally involved.

Democrats/the Left continue to double down on the hateful rhetoric.  This indicates to me that there are more Charlie Kirks to come.  Which means our commitment to love our opponent must be very deep and well rooted.  So the question becomes not how to respond, but can we respond in the right way?  Are we grounded enough in Christ such that we have sufficient love to withstand the pain that is quite likely to come our way.  Jesus also said:

But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also.  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak also.  Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.  Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

Jesus is asking for a lot there.  Sure, we are not going to return violence for violence, but I wonder if we are truly prepared to suffer – walking farther, being cold, being killed – for the sake of loving our enemy?  The cost of loving your enemy can be quite, quite high.

Brooks is right, but are we prepared?  In an age of live streaming church, do we have the necessary tools that only God can provide to meet the challenge before us?  If we are not committed enough to get up on a Sunday morning, get dressed and go to a place of worship are we truly ready to suffer for His name’s sake?

Brooks is right, but each of us must ask ourselves these questions and each of us must take the necessary steps to make ourselves so prepared.  Even an army of love needs basic training.