Musings on Jesus’s call to prioritize love for the other over violence towards the other, and how that relates to violence and nonviolence in the world today.
When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. – Luke 22:49-51
Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” – Matthew 26:52
I was twenty years old, a young Christian, waiting to meet my friends in a Portland mall. Four women rushing up to a fellow teenager didn’t trigger “fight!” in my head, even in a spot known for occasional gang violence. "Maybe they’re running up to greet someone?" passed through my mind... When the punching started …
I fell in love during our homestay. Alicia was three years old, spunky, outspoken, and loved dressing up in ridiculous outfits. She had a gorgeous smile that she broke out whenever she saw me (or most anyone else, for that matter). And she hit anything that upset her. This last trait could be comical at …
Stranger in a Slum 