Love…not violence…dispels fear and hate.

(Listen to my song “Make Me a Channel” by clicking HERE)

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Luke 9:52-55

Jesus sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them.

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Years of differences between the Jews and Samaritans resulted in the Samaritans shunning the messengers Jesus had sent ahead. So in response…two of Jesus’ followers asked him if they could call on God to destroy the Samaritans in retaliation.

Isn’t that the usual human reaction…to attack someone who has wrongly treated us?

You know…get revenge?

It’s been going on for years…and years…and years…and years.

Jesus’ answer to his disciples’ question was a stern “no.”

We even see this type of behavior today in politics on a less violent scale…where if you disagree with another’s position…you trash them and ridicule them with words.

What would happen if we instead responded to persecution, derision and disagreements in a non-violent manner but with a commitment to justice? And what if…at the same time…we responded with love and compassion?

It has almost never been tried…except for a few notable exceptions such as Jesus, Martin Luther King and Gandhi.

All three paid with their lives…but they also spawned peaceful movements that changed the world and continue to do so.

Violent responses beget violent responses. The cycle goes on and on with no end.

We need more leaders with the vision of Jesus.

That takes both courage and compassion…a combination that transforms lives.

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Listen to the song of the day “Make Me a Channel” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs by clicking HERE.

CD’s available for purchase at BillTonnisMusic.com by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!