________________
Religion and Non-Violence
When reviled, we bless.
When persecuted, we bear it patiently."
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.?
How oft shall my brother sin against me,
and I forgive him? Till seven times?
Not until seven times, but until seventy times seven.
The Lord will judge between the nations,
And will decide concerning many peoples. And they shall beat their swords into plough-shares
And their spears into pruning-hooks, Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war any more.
All they who take the sword shall perish with the sword.5
Jesus, in his teachings placed emphasis on love of God and love of fellow-beings. Love of God means not only glad submission to His will, but also the giving of one's whole self to Him in joyful surrender. Love of men extends to all without exception, but it means especially those who are poor, sick, weak, or unjustly treated, and special thoughtfulness in meeting their needs in a spirit of kindly service. 'Love thy neighbour' encompasses any human being in need, belonging to any race. This love also includes heart-felt concern for those who act as enemies. “If you love only those who love you...what is there remarkable in that? But...love your enemies and pray for your persecutors, so that you may show yourselves true sons of your Father in Heaven, for He makes His sun rise on bad and good alike, and makes the rain fall on both upright and wrong
doers."
I Corinthians, 4.12. 2 Matthew, 19.19. 3 Matthew 18.21. 4 Isaiah, 2.3.4. 5 Matthew, 26.52. 6Luke, 10.25-37. ?Matthew, 5.44-47.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
