‘But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.’ (Luke 6:27+28)
"There is a principle that is pervasive in human life. It is the principle of reciprocity; the principle of retaliation; the principle of 'an eye for an eye.' This principle undergirds the tragic cycle of violence that holds the world in its grip."
"On this principle relations between nations are conducted. Voters demand this of their governments, even though it has brought the world to the brink of "mutually assured destruction." "Christ's command for us to love our enemies runs against the whole trend of human order and affairs. It represents an... entirely different world order---the order of the kingdom of heaven. The sign of this kingdom is the cross. Far from reciprocal violence, its method is that of suffering servant hood. This is the suffering of aggressive love."
"In the Calvary event we witness God suffering for his enemies; refusing to give blow for blow; praying for those who mistreat him; forgiving those who wrong him. There is nothing else in all of history to match the Spirit, and the wonder of the cross of Jesus. Sacrificial love was at work. And there is redemption for us in NO OTHER WAY."