Friends, if we are to live in a truly faithful manner, we have to respect the lives of every single person. … Yes, even the lives of those whom we vehemently disagree with.

We are living in an age of political rage and violence that will not serve us well. There is no “winning” for anyone.

People are choosing sides and defending their political dogmas with lives on the line. And each act of violence only amps up the rage in the opposing ranks.

As faithful people we cannot condone it. We have to draw a line in the sand, and state emphatically that political violence is not an acceptable end to achieve an outcome.

Sure, I believe that non-believers alike should be willing to take such a stand as well, but you know, it’s good practice to clean up your own house before you start casting stones at others for how messy theirs is.

Jesus teaches a new way. He replaces the old Scriptures that ask an eye for an eye with a new practice of turning the other cheek and loving our enemies. He teaches us that violence only breeds more violence, and that hate only breeds more hate.

“But, Pastor, the other side …,” I can already hear many shouting in response.

I know, I know. Regardless of which “side” you are on, there will always be an example of violent behavior. Dig deep enough and in enough places and you’ll eventually find justification for any act.

However, if we consider ourselves followers of Jesus, then there is no wiggle room. Jesus doesn’t give us a get out of jail free card for violent acts just because someone else is doing it. 

Jesus even famously orders Peter to sheath his sword after the Roman guards come to arrest him. And he certainly knew what was to unfold next. … Still, Jesus shows no violent response.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that it is the peacemakers who will be blessed for their work to reconcile all of God’s beloved children. Notice there is no reward for those who call for domination and conquest. That wasn’t an accidental omission, friends.

We are living in unsettling times. The combination of unfettered access to media, the instantaneous ability to connect with millions in nanoseconds, the tribal insecurities about the others, and the growing chasm between “haves” and “have nots” are producing a tinderbox of public discourse and actions.

What we need are more courageous people to help quiet the ugly rhetoric and instill more civility in our interactions, not more warriors. Trust me, God would do fine in any actual battle God chooses to wage. That’s not where we’re needed.

Where we are needed as faithful people is in the role of peacemaker. Now, there’s something the world is in short supply of. Amen.

Devlyn Brooks is the CEO of Churches United in Moorhead, Minn., and an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America serving Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minn. He blogs about faith at findingfaithin.com, and can be reached at devlynbrooks@gmail.com.