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When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 (NRSV)
Within the context of shalom--peace which permeates all of life and which is centered in well-being and right relationships--it is common to focus on nonviolence. There seem to be two somewhat mutually exclusive strains within this focus on nonviolence: nonresistance and nonviolent resistance. John Howard Yoder, Walter Wink and others have convincingly argued the point of view that Jesus does not necessarily advocate nonresistance since he himself resists evil as in the cleansing of the temple and in his heated arguments with religious leaders. The model, they would argue, is one of nonviolent resistance, not one of nonresistance.
While nonviolent resistance may be appropriate in many situations, there is likewise a case to be made for nonresistance. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Nonviolent resistance may be the most appropriate model in certain situations while nonresistance is more appropriate in others.
A number of scriptures would seem to support the idea of nonresistance, at least in certain situations. The fundamental concept underlying nonresistance is expressed in the scripture given at the top of this article. The full context of this verse is:
Slaves, accept the authority of your masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who are harsh. For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 1 Peter 2: 18-24 (NRSV)
At several points Peter calls on those who follow Christ to "endure," even when treated harshly, even when suffering unjustly. Jesus Christ, who was treated harshly and unjustly, is our example, and we are to "follow in his steps." Rather than resist, either violently or nonviolently, Jesus "entrusted himself to the one who judges justly."
In his classic book on nonviolent resistance and nonresistance, "What Would You Do?," (<http://store.mpn.net/productdetails.cfm?PC=208>) John Howard Yoder sums up his arguments by saying, "I accept Jesus' way because I confess that Jesus is Lord." This confession can be understood in many ways, but one way is to acknowledge that Jesus is sovereign in all situations, he is Lord of all, and, therefore, we can confidently trust him rather than taking matters into our own hands.
What this means for us practically is that not every situation needs to be "fixed," not every insult or hurt needs to be corrected, not every injustice needs to be rectified, at least as far as we personally are concerned. Again, consider Peter's words to slaves. They are to "accept the authority of [their] masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who are harsh."
Perhaps one of the best examples of the idea of nonresistance and trusting God can be found in the way that Abram resolved the conflict between his household and that of Lot as given in Genesis 18:1-9. The final resolution is given in verses 8 and 9.
Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herders and my herders; for we are kindred. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left."
Was this just? After all, Abram was the patriarch. Abram was the one following God's leading to a new land. Should not he have had his pick of the land? Nevertheless, he trusts God to prosper him regardless of the choice that Lot leaves for him. Must we not believe that had Lot chosen Canaan, God would have prospered Abram in "the plain of the Jordan [which] was well-watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord?" After all, he is sovereign over all.
There are numerous examples and teachings on nonresistance in the New Testament. For example:
But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. (Matthew 12:14-15a, NRSV)
In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands. (2 Corinthians 11:32-33, NRSV)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. (Romans 12:17, NRSV)
Finally, both Jesus and Paul remind us that it may not be within our power to resolve all differences. While there is certainly scriptural support and instruction on resolving differences such as Matthew 5:23-24 (your sister or brother has something against you) and Matthew 18:15-17 (a brother or sister has sinned against you), we are also instructed to realize our limits and trust God to work in a situation. Consider:
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:18, NRSV)
Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. (Matthew 10:11-14).
There are times when we, as peacemakers, must simply let go. We can live in peace only "so far as it depends on [us]." We may simply need to move on, to "shake off the dust from [our] feet." This does not mean, however, that we are giving up; rather, we are trusting God to work out His will for us and for the other in His time and in His way.
As is sometimes true in this column, this is a topic that is more general in nature and does not lend itself to internet links. It is, however, an important consideration in the "balancing act" of living by faith and by works as we strive to live faithfully, working with God to bring peace and justice to God's people and God's creation.
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