Daniel Dydek
Special Post - Riots and Protests in Washington, D.C.
Special Post: Riot/Protest in DC.
Things went a little crazy yesterday—okay, a lot crazy. A lot of people are horrified; a lot of people are ecstatic. For my readers and followers, I’m going to just lay out a bunch of Scriptures. I’m fine being persecuted for the sake of Christ; I am not comfortable with being persecuted for the sake of Donald Trump or the Republican party. And since they (and others) have seen fit to try to marry the two (Christianity and Republicanism) consider this my declaration of divorce.
We’ll start with some things Jesus said:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” Matthew 5:39
“Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” Luke 6:30
"My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place." John 18:36
Now let’s look at what some of the Apostles said:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1-2
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-4a
“No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” 2 Timothy 2:4
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. …But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:13-14, 20b-23
Now, may you judge for yourself.