As I consider the life and ministry of Martin Luther King Jr., I am drawn to the last verses of Romans 12:
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (NRSV)
I am drawn to Jesus’ words in “The Sermon on the Mount”.
“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; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”
“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, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:38-48 (NRSV)
King called it “Non-violent Resistance”. He would lead those who had been oppressed to demand justice from the oppressor without doing harm or evil to the oppressors.
Some called it “Passive non-resistance” but there was nothing passive about it. It was powerfully aggressive in the demand for justice. But King taught his disciples the lessons that Jesus tried to teach, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”, and the lesson from Paul to the Roman church, “Overcome evil with good.”
Under King’s leadership, it was the principle that transformed American culture. As a principle for personal living, it transforms the soul….which may transform the family and community….which may change a state or nation….which….who knows what might happen?
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