Restoration – Not Revenge

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Respond to hate with both compassion and conviction for justice.

(Listen to my song “Salvation” on YouTube 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 Jesus.

Two of Jesus’ disciples asked him if they could call on God to destroy the Samaritans in retaliation.

Isn’t this the usual human reaction…to attack those who have wrongly treated us?

Tit for tat.

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

Violence perpetuates violence.

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

It takes a “non-dual” mind, a consciousness that is able to hold all things without separating and dividing…to be able to respond in a new, nonviolent way.

It is from this mind that Jesus said, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44).

Instead of seeking revenge, what if we all asked for the grace to respond to those who wrong us with both compassion and a conviction for justice?

Perhaps then the world would change one person at a time.

Be the change that you want to see in the world!

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Listen to the song of the day “Salvation” by clicking HERE.

Sample and/or purchase my songs on iTunes by clicking HERE.

Remember…God loves you!

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About billtonnis

Child of God, Pastoral Minister, Chaplain, Music Minister, Jail Minister, singer-songwriter, author, activist, former radio news anchor, imperfect follower of Jesus inspired by God's unconditional love, proud uncle... what else is there?
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