Don't fight like a mule

"DeathocRATS"

"Deplorables"

An yet Christs teaching stands clear and was the verse that hung in the heart and home of the early Church. For the modern church its John 3:16 that most Christian know and hang onto (for a good reason).

However - for the early church it was Matt 5:43 which reflected a since God loves us enough to give His sons live for us - we follow Him. Even to do something so anti-world as Love your enemy.

This is one of those verses in the bible that usually comes with a piece of anatomy after it - "...but what he REALLY means". And it gets water down to 'love your friend that took that last french fry' or something slightly trivial.

Steve Cottrell captures the shocking value of the verse:

When it comes to enemies Clarence Jordan had more than many Christians in his time. And sad - some that hated him most likely went to church. He was a Christian pacifist that started a multi-ethnic farm in the deep South during WWII. Even when he died in the 60's the coroner refused to get the body from the farm - they put his body in a station wagon and drove it out.

So he was asked if he fights - I love his answer -

Confront false teachers - yes. Speak to evil - yes. Dr Jordan did - quite often in the church. Always in a way to win over an enemy - an many he did. In the history of the Church there are many stories of saints that chose to fight their enemies a different way - stubborn - like a mule. But fighting a different way - enabled by a different - a Holy Spirit.

Selah.