Breaking the Cycle.

Our World is embroiled in a cycle of violence and revenge.

Pointless acts of violence inspire violent retaliations.

But Jesus showed us the way to break this vicious cycle.

He said: "'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 an evildoer.  But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek turn the other also.....'"  Matthew 6:38.39 (NRSV)

And: "'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.....'"  Matthew 6: 43,44 (NRSV)

This commitment to non-violence breaks the cycle of violence and retaliation.

And it cancels each act of violence in turn.

So do not react when you are attacked.

But forgive.

Pray that your attacker will see the fear that inspires violence.

And that they will be free of it forever.

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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