As part of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, many of us feel deeply compelled to “do something” about the youth violence and gangs in our city.
As a Christian nonprofit organization, we get to draw on the example and teachings of Christ Jesus to inform our attempt to “do something.”
Out of all the options out there, a unique action of Jesus’ followers is to absorb violence when it strikes them and their community.
I write this as a white Protestant evangelical middle aged man. I wonder what it would look like for me to absorb violence, instead of striking back or nursing revenge? Or my neighborhood? Or my church? Or my workplace downtown?
Whether it’s hateful words, hurtful actions, or harmful policies, would I let myself be infected with the poison of violence or would I absorb it in a spirit of grace and forgiveness? Too often I’m infected…
I am commanded to love my enemy, as seen in Jesus. My Lord modeled in his ministry and on the cross how to absorb violence. His words and ways, his attitude and actions reveal how hearts are transformed, how cities are saved.
That Jerusalem rejected Jesus’s ways and embraced violent revolt against Rome ensured their demise. The Christians that respond to violent words, attitudes and habits with anger and vengeance are rejecting the way of Christ. Would I be willing to let others point out the ways I respond to violence with violence?
To forgive is to absorb the wrong and not wish for or take revenge.
It might also mean you distance yourself from them, or use more wisdom when encountering them, but it doesn’t mean hating or fearing them or treating them with apathy.
That’s the new way Jesus gives us towards those who are violent. Not only that, he explains how to live and pray to subvert violence and plant healing seeds of renewal.
Read the Gospel of Matthew 4-7. “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
That is part of what it means for Jesusians to “do something” about youth violence. As followers of Jesus Christ we look to him and seek to imitate his attitude towards the Father and all humanity. Together, we can “do something” that absorbs violence and breathes out wisdom and mercy.
This is why I am thrilled by this YMCA neighborhood event at Renaissance Pointe. It embodies the “do something” attitude of peacemaking. Join it Saturday, if you can!
