Today we will begin a month long series on MLK called “The Path to Love.” In this series we will look at the scriptures behind some of his most famous speeches and sermons. We will look at the principles that allowed him to so powerfully confront injustice without losing compassion. Today we will look at what he meant by “loving our enemies.”
“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. So when Jesus says “Love your enemies,” he is setting forth a profound and ultimately inescapable admonition. Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies– or else? The chain reaction of evil–hate begetting hate, wars producing wars–must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”
― Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love.
I would like to refute everything you say this next month about MLK. Can I have your gentleman’s agreement to not delete anything I post?
It depends. Obviously, if you want to refute something you haven’t heard you are entering the conversation with an agenda, if not a prejudice. I will publish what you write if I discern you are trying to make a rational point. If it seems more like you are just calling people names and spouting insults I will definitely delete. Count on it.
Fair enough, sir! I will refute every thing you have to say without calling names or “sprouting insults.” Fair enough? I promise honest, rational discussion. All I ask is that you don’t “cheat” by deleting my posts. Are you up for for an honest debate of your beliefs about MLK and his statements? Can I have your gentleman’s agreement to not delete anything I post?
Paul, I don’t know you so I have no idea what you are going to send. If I consider your responses sane and rational I will post them. I actually delete very little. But racism is not a rational position so at some point if you are questioning the humanity of other people I don’t imagine much of it will get published.