The word “weapon” elicits a wide range of ideas. Some will immediately imagine something sharp, spiky, or long, those weapons depicted in the fantasy novels about humans, orcs, elves, and dwarves. Some will think of weapons of modern warfare, including guns, planes, and tanks. A few of our more peculiar people might think historically, including catapults and man catchers. The first things that pop into my mind are the four choice weapons of the most remarkable crime-fighting quartet: the bo staff, the nunchakus, the twin sais, and the katana.
Yet the most dangerous weapon we all brandish every day is the one we used to sing about as children: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Never was such a bald-faced lie more catchy. Words hurt. Words condemn. Words cause irreparable harm. Words ruin relationships and cause depression. Words can even kill. Every day, millions of people carelessly swing the weapon of their words like a two-handed broad sword, slicing and maiming everyone in their path, all without realizing the harm they are doing.
The more distressing part of this is that many Christians do realize the harm they are causing, and they don’t even care. They allow their feelings about politics, sports, and modern issues to weaponize their words and then mow down the world around them.
What’s worse is that some Christians do the same thing about matters of faith. Consider these words by Charles Spurgeon: “For us to hate those who are in error, or talk of them with contempt or wish them ill, or do them wrong, is not according to the Spirit of Christ. You cannot cast out Satan by Satan, nor correct error by violence, nor overcome hate by hate. The conquering weapon of the Christian is love.”
Christians are known for their hatred, while Jesus said Christians should be known for their love. “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13.34-35). Christians should love others.
As Spurgeon said, this is our weapon. Preceding a discussion on how to act in the face of government (even an oppressive one), Paul tells us that we are to treat those with love who mistreat us with hate (cf. Rom 12.18-21). Immediately after discussing government, he says, “Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not covet; and any other commandment, are summed up by this commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom 13.8-10).
Did you see that one phrase in there? “Love does no wrong to a neighbor.” None. Nada. Not one cross word. Not one mumble, grumble, or bumble. Love treats others right.
Love is our weapon. Through it, we will heap burning coals on the heads of those who despise us. Through it, we will convince those who are willing to listen. Through it, we will show ourselves to be people different than the world. Through love, we will conquer the world.
There’s nothing cooler for a 10-year-old than watching an oversized turtle with a purple mask (why did they need masks?) spinning a bo staff faster than the eyes could see, defeating the nefarious hordes of “The Foot Clan.” It made me want to go out in the yard, find the straightest stick I could, and practice the spins, twirls, and jabs myself.
Now, as a 43-year-old, there’s nothing more extraordinary than watching my fellow Christian overcome the hatred and vitriol of a neighbor or coworker, defeating every argument and accusation with the weapon of love. Love will defeat all enemies, even the great enemy from the beginning. Love even conquers death itself (cf. Rom 5.8-10). Indeed, our conquering weapon is love.
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