How do I face
the violence of the world
while maintaining
a posture of peace
a stance of forgiveness
an attitude of love
how do I resist evil
not with more evil
but with goodness
how do I stand up
in the face of violence
without becoming
that which I stand against
how do I hold this light
without conceding to the darkness
becoming the cross
through which evil
shall not pass unto others
only with the full armor of God
the belt of truth
the breastplate of righteousness
the gospel of peace
the shield of faith
the helmet of salvation
the sword of the Spirit
how can I face violence
with love and mercy
only with angels beside me
and Jesus in my heart
~Robert Van Valkenburgh
Reflection:
How can I remain rooted in love and truth when I am called to confront injustice or violence, without allowing darkness to reshape my heart?
Scripture:
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
— Romans 12:21 (NIV)
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