09/16/2025
There are different dichotomies in our faith, that are worth considering. ON the one hand our calling is for "as much as possible be at peace with all men" but that does not mean we have to be at peace with all men. (Romans 12:18)
A second is that Jesus Himself said that He came to bring a sword, even while He preached good news. The profound distinction centers around the mission. With the Gospel, all are welcome and sought, but with Justice, the righteous must hold the lawless accountable. (Matthew 10:34)
Otherwise, the Law is made null and void. Jesus in the Great Sermon on the Mount said that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill. The fulfillment is what makes us righteous, not the letter of the law. (Matthew 5:17)
To summarize: We are peacemakers but not sheep before wolves. We earnestly seek salvation for all, but hold the law accountable for those who practice lawlessness. We focus on what makes us pure in God's eyes, not outward appearances of righteousness.
This is a higher calling, that He causes us to consider beyond our circumstances, to uphold righteousness while never forgetting the mission of the lost.