TO WIN WITHOUT VIOLENCE

    Nonviolence is not the same as passive resignation to the disturbing agents of peace. Nonviolence is the art of winning the war by peaceful means, "the armor of righteousness right and left" as Christian Scripture proclaims, (2-Co.6.7), "And that, knowing the time, that it is high time to awake out of sleep, for now is salvation nearer to us than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is near. Therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the works of light (Ro.13.11-12).

    As the Lamb of God "went out conquering and to conquer" (Ap.6.2), so Christians must unite and organize ourselves so that God, through his Spirit, who is in us both to will like do of his good will, (Fil.2.13), give us the victory that produces the sovereignty of his government in us, as the community of the people we are.

    The great Deliverer of our souls said: "Behold, I send you as sheep among wolves; Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves "(Mt.10.16). So that humility and prudence are two of the "armor of light" that we have. Paul adds: "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ef.6.11-12).

    But, "Who is he that will harm you, if you follow good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. Therefore, do not be dismayed for fear of them, nor be troubled, but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to do this with gentleness and respect to everyone who asks you a reason of the hope that is in you , having a good conscience, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ "(1-P.3.13-16).

    In the early days of the Christian Church they had "favor with all the people" (Hch.2.47). Because having "good conscience" is to have the satisfaction of accomplishment, to design, establish and promote plans, programs and real and concrete projects "that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Mt. 5.16). "For this is the will of God; that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men; as free, but not as those who have freedom as a pretext for evil (eg indolence and social indifference, disorganization), but as servants of God, (1-P.2.15-16).

    Win without violence is thus essentially creating conditions of justice and social development, so you can really exist, at least within the people of God, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he that in this serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. Let us pursue what makes for peace and to mutual edification. "(Ro.14.17-19)