“Living the Jesus Way vs the Way of the Nations“

Violence is not associated with the Jesus Way. The Prince of peace does not conquer the world with force or lead with a sword.

Oppression contradicts the message of Christ.
It stands in defiance of the Christ who proclaims good news to the poor and sets the oppressed free. Anywhere people are in chain,
Christ is betrayed and crucified again.

War is not the language of Jesus, the crucified lamb. He still calls his followers to a higher aim of life, an obedience marked by an ethic of care and relationality, not conquest and retaliation.

Dehumanization is a threat to the biblical idea of human dignity and to the God who declares all life is sacred. Every person is a human being who bears the imprint of divine breath and beauty.

Xenophobia opposes God’s commitment of inclusive embrace of all peoples and nations, races and ethnicities. The purpose of God is to gather nations, not alienate them, and to guide and unite them as one people in grace and mercy.

The desire to dominate, conquer, and control other peoples and their nations and cultures betrays the shared values and the clarion call to love one’s neighbor and practice hospitality.
Power without love is tyranny and oppression; strength without compassion is corruption and selfishness.

If love is not the driven motive to engage others, the outcome will not bring honor to the God of peace ad love. The Jesus Way is marked by the narrow road of humility, justice, and radical love.