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Writer's pictureBrian Doyle

Are you in the World or in the Word?

I woke up this morning from a dream about the divisive agenda of the World (and the by World, I’m speaking as it’s spoken of in Scripture: that which is ruled over by Satan, whom the Bible calls the Prince of the Air). I won’t shy away from talking about the current political season. You can tell it’s heating up because the fear mongering is ramping up. From movies, to the news, to political advertisements, the divisiveness of the world is on overdrive! This divisive rhetoric is antithetical to the words of Christ, and, indeed, all of Scripture itself. And yet, how often do we get sucked into it? Even within the body of Christ, Christians attack one another for political viewpoints, and don’t come together on Biblical viewpoints.

In light of all of this, Church, I want you to compare the message of the world versus the message of the Word. The world says, “hate your enemy, fear your enemy, don’t let them have opinions, voices and choices.” Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:35-48).

The world says, “shun your enemy, don’t show them any mercy.” Paul says “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21).

Do you see the difference? Scripture calls us to follow Christ, the world tells us to destroy our enemies. Loved ones, in all things, we should be giving glory to God, and God does not receive glory from division, disunity and destruction. Seek Christ, and follow the Great commandment. Pursue Righteousness, not worldliness. Pursue peace and unity, even if the world hates you for it.

Romans 12:9-21

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave iti to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.




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