The power of love in the face of evil

Since the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents on the streets of Minneapolis, I have found myself in some grim conversations with people I care deeply about. 

Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny themself, take up their cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)

For most of my life, I’ve heard Jesus’ words about the cost of Christian discipleship preached as a spiritual matter. From various pulpits, I’ve heard it proclaimed that if you’re following Jesus and giving your life to him, be ready to carry the cross of discomfort, of growth, and so on. I nodded my head in agreement as I listened, understanding that a life of faith shouldn’t keep us stagnant. Yet, it often seemed to me that the preachers could be a bit more bold; dying on a cross was physically horrendous in 1st century Palestine. 

Although it is valid that Jesus is concerned about the matters of our hearts, the state of our souls, we cannot overlook what the cross really is. The symbol that Christ embraced for our salvation is an instrument of torture and death. He said we need to carry our torture symbol with us. In other words, if you take his challenge to truly love others seriously, things could get bloody, ugly. 

Now that facism is sweeping this nation, taking up the cross is not an abstraction. 

If we are following Jesus and loving with the power of the cross, we could be rejected or misunderstood, certainly. As we practice the works of mercy and honor the dignity of the poor and vulnerable, we will absolutely disturb the comfortable, reveal the truth, and challenge all lies. And recent violence helps us know that we must also be ready to die. 

As I’ve said, I’ve been in some grim conversations lately, as we face the risky reality of what it means to follow Jesus in the United States at this point in history.

I know we have a policy for civil disobedience… If I am arrested for peacefully protesting will others be able to cover my responsibilities? 

There’s probably going to be surveillance at the protest, but I am OK with going anyway.

I’ve realized that I am OK with dying to protect the poor and vulnerable, and I want you to know that I am willing to offer my life if it comes to that.

We’re devout Christians who take the Gospel mandates of loving our neighbors and our enemies seriously. We believe in nonviolence and civil disobedience as effective ways to change hard hearts and systems of injustice. 

Not everyone will die for doing what’s right, but we must be open and prepare for the possibility of death. This is the power of love. 

Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. declared, “Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.” 

As Christians who have embraced the power of the cross and its salvific love we act to promote justice. 

Not all acts are splashy, or noticed. Much is hidden. Yet, each subtle act of love and justice is significant too. So we pick up our crosses and we pack up boxes of food. We collect and distribute supplies. We refuse to show up to work, to school, to shop. There’s Rapid Response protest choirs and those who make music as a form of resistance. Every art collective (such as this one!) that offers beauty and hopeful alternatives to violence is powerful. The Gospel tells us to love and love is messy, so we listen and show up. We check on people who are afraid. We cling to candles and sing and pray at peace vigils. Every act of love reveals the goodness of God.

So yes, the situations and the conversations might be getting grim, but the love we are offering is powerful. Because the cross is a symbol of love and resurrection, violence, oppression, and death don’t have the last word. 

This is the power we embrace, the love that conquers evil. 

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good. —Romans 12: 9-21

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