The results of this systematic analysis show that nonviolent resistance is more than twice as effective as violent approaches in achieving intended goals. Based on a large dataset spanning over a century, their study demonstrates that societies experiencing periods of violent conflict, even when successful, tend to suffer from increased social unrest and instability in the aftermath.
By centering our discernment on God as revealed through Christ, we gain a deeper and more personal understanding of what it means to test everything and hold fast to what is good. Does it align with God’s character, his promises, and his commands? Jesus is the perfect image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15) and the clearest expression of God’s love, grace, and mercy.
Harvey Deutschendorf shares how intimate, trusting relationships where one can openly share hopes, fears, and experiences are particularly valuable. Building strong connections involves actions like listening, being supportive, keeping commitments, and showing genuine interest in others’ lives. Overall, investing time and energy into meaningful relationships appears to be more rewarding than pursuing material wealth when it comes to finding contentment and joy in life.
Then along came a Samaritan. In a shocking twist, it is this individual, a member of a community ostracized and despised by the Jews, who stops to offer aid. He doesn’t hesitate; he simply sees a fellow human being in dire need. He embodies radical empathy, transcending the rigid social boundaries that defined his society. And this Samaritan’s response is Jesus’ answer to the man’s question, “And who is my neighbor?”
We may not consciously buy into the narratives presented in the media, but the emotions they evoke linger, leaving us feeling anxious, angry, or even hopeless. These emotions, even if triggered by a brief news story or social media post, can linger long after we’ve closed our laptops or put down our phones. They can seep into our subconscious, coloring our thoughts and influencing our behavior.
Genuine faith is not about blind obedience or adherence to dogma. It’s about a personal encounter with the divine, a continuous journey of discovery and deepening relationship with God. It’s about allowing our hearts and minds to be transformed by the love and grace that flows from the source of all being.
The purpose of emphasizing a broader understanding of sin is not to condemn or overwhelm us with guilt. It’s to remind us we all need God’s grace and a humble heart. Sin is like a disease that affects our hearts and minds, distorting our perceptions and hindering our ability to love others as God loves us.
In essence, faith or belief should lead to transformation through a process. Our value systems, which in turn govern our behavioral systems, should undergo continuous and ongoing transformation, albeit this does not imply that everything changes instantaneously. If a belief is truly genuine, it cannot stay dormant in our mind but must emerge as part of what we believe.
The word “helper” used in Genesis 2:18 to describe Eve’s role in relation to Adam has often been misinterpreted as implying inferiority or subservience. However, a deeper look at the biblical context reveals a much more empowering and complementary picture.
Because of His presence, power, and position as God, He is easily able to overpower us. It’s easy to love God because of what He can give us rather than who He is. If we look at the story of Israel in the Old Testament, we see that they often stray from God, only to experience dire calamities before turning back to God and being rescued. This process is then repeated.