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NASB | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Prov 25:21, 22] |
Subject: Denounce militant Islam? |
Bible Note: You ask: "If every citizen of these United States followed your example by refusing to vote, what kind of government do you think this country would have?" As long as we're considering the hypothetical, what kind of world do you think we would have if everyone practiced this: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord" (Rom 12:10-19) Makes even the best this imperfect world can offer sound depraved, doesn't it? The Bible predicts there will be plenty of unbelievers to elect government officials - many of them quite altuistic and intelligent, I might add. Would you agree that the job of government would be a lot simpler if the governed practiced Paul's counsel. Let's do that as we look to the real life, and leave the squabbling over earthly rulers to those that are eating and drinking, for tomorrow they die - in other words, without hope. Perhaps when they see our confidence and the failure of man's rule to provide real happiness, they will be moved to glorify God. |