4 Strange Reasons ‘Eye for an Eye’ Does Not Bring Justice”

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Daohe · Jan 4, 2025
This article is inspired by a video featuring a young girl who, after being mocked by her classmates, chose to retaliate with violence to bring justice. Her mother gave her an important lesson: Two wrongs don’t make a right. In life, we often encounter similar conflicts: when faced with wrongful actions or even injustice, how […]

This article is inspired by a video featuring a young girl who, after being mocked by her classmates, chose to retaliate with violence to bring justice. Her mother gave her an important lesson: Two wrongs don’t make a right.

In life, we often encounter similar conflicts: when faced with wrongful actions or even injustice, how should we respond? Some choose to compromise, others remain silent, while some believe the best way to defend themselves is “an eye for an eye” to bring justice.

In a society grounded in the rule of law and ethics, every member of society should understand one fundamental truth: just because others make mistakes doesn’t mean one should make mistakes too. This is a test from God and a responsibility each citizen carries while enjoying their rights. It reflects our collective dedication to upholding justice in society.

1. Not combating evil with evil is the cornerstone to bring justice

The essence of the rule of law lies in limiting the abuse of power, restraining wrongdoing with justice, rather than allowing wrongdoings to cancel each other out. As citizens of the state, each of us has the right and responsibility to participate in society. The foundation of this right is the social order, centered on civilization and the rule of law.

The true mark of a civilized society lies in resolving conflicts through reason, dialogue, and structured systems, rather than resorting to violence. When faced with injustice, responding with force may appear justifiable, but it conveys a dangerous message—that violence can triumph over the principles and values that govern a civilized world. This approach ultimately erodes the moral fabric and legal foundation of society.

If everyone retaliated against wrongdoing with more wrongdoing, society would spiral into chaos, and the sound of people striking each other in anger would drown the voice of justice to. Ultimately, it is the members of society who would suffer the most. Violence and harmful actions are often emotional reactions born of pain and anger, rather than thoughtful solutions. They will bring more consequences. Therefore, when facing injustice, we should stick to our principles and defend to bring justice through lawful and righteous means.

2. Injustice is a test of civic duties

God granted us life with the purpose of becoming beacons of light. This light is seen not only in acts of individual goodness but also in our dedication to upholding social justice. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to care about public affairs and defend fairness and righteousness, never compromising our principles because of the misdeeds of others.

When we choose not to align ourselves with wrongdoing, we are not only living out our personal moral convictions but also setting a standard of righteousness for society. This choice is often difficult, as it requires us to endure pressure and misunderstanding from those around us. Yet this is precisely the test God places upon our souls: Are we willing to hold fast to the light in the midst of darkness? Do we have the courage to uphold to bring justice in the face of injustice?

3. Citizen power drives social progress

As citizens of a nation, we must exercise our power by overseeing social injustices, engaging in public affairs, and driving social change. When faced with injustice, we can choose to defend our rights through legal means, influence others’ perspectives through rational dialogue, and advocate for systemic improvement through collective social action.

While history does offer examples of social change driven by armed struggle, true societal progress depends on the improvement of institutions and adherence to rules, rather than actions driven by violence or emotion. Violence may bring about short-term reforms, but without rational planning and broad consensus, such changes are often unsustainable and susceptible to being undone by future turmoil. Anger can serve as a catalyst for action, and not bring justice but lasting transformation requires deep reforms in institutions, laws, and culture to build a more just and stable society.

At times, we may feel that our individual power is too small to change the status quo. Yet history teaches us that many great transformations began with the persistence of a single person. From Gandhi’s resistance to colonial rule to Rosa Parks’ fight for civil rights, they exercised their civic power to inject justice and hope into society. Their actions remind us that, in the face of injustice, the rational and lawful use of our rights is the most powerful weapon a citizen possesses.

4. Kindness Is Our Collective Responsibility to Bring Justice

We cannot justify our own wrongdoing simply because others have acted wrongly. This is not only a personal standard we set for ourselves but also a promise we make to society. When we choose kindness and to bring justice, our actions inspire others, creating a ripple effect of positive social interactions. Such choices bring inner peace and contribute to guiding society toward greater civility and fairness.

As the Bible teaches us, “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This is not only God’s guidance but also the attitude we, as citizens, should adopt. Kindness is not a sign of weakness, and to bring justice does not mean compromising. Faced with injustice, every decision we make plays a role in shaping the surrounding society.

Conclusion: Our Peace and Light Bring Justice

This statement is not only a belief, but also a call to action. It reminds us that each of us bears the responsibility of improving society. As citizens of a nation, we must use our power to lawfully and rationally combat injustice, while safeguarding kindness and let the higher authority to bring justice.

God has granted us free will, empowering us to choose to be champions of kindness and light. Let us face injustice with courage, using our wisdom and resolve as citizens to bring about change. Every time we stand firm, we uphold the principles that bind society; every action we take sparks hope for the future. May we all strive to be citizens who stay true to our values, undeterred by the mistakes of others, and may we shine as beacons of light in the world.

Amen!

 

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神の教えを生きる:魂の満ち足りる道を探して

Yicheng · Nov 11, 2024

以下は、ボランティアとの対話から抜粋し、一部編集を加えたものです。語り手は道何(Daohe)です。 本日は「魂の満ち足りる道を探して」というテーマでお話をさせていただきます。皆さんのご参加と傍聴に感謝します。神の祝福が常に私たちと共にありますように。 『マタイの福音書』には、イエスが荒野で40日間を過ごされた際、悪魔が石をパンに変えようと誘惑したと記されています。その時イエスはこう答えられました。「人はパンだけで生きるのではなく、神の口から出る一つ一つの言葉による」(マタイ4:4)。この言葉は、私たちが本当に支えられる力とは何かを考えさせ、物質的な欲求を超えて精神的な豊かさを追求するよう導いてくれます。 現代社会では、物質的な欲求が容易に満たされる一方で、人々はますます精神的な世界から切り離されているように見えます。多くの人がより多くのお金、高級車、大きな家、高得点、昇進を追い求めています。もちろん、これらの追求は正当なものであり、より幸せな生活や社会の進歩を目指すものです。しかし、本当に人生の方向性を示し、人類社会を支えるのは、目に見えない精神的な力なのです。 人間の行動は、内なる動機によって駆動されます。この動機が自己中心的な欲望に基づくものであるならば、他者の利益よりも自分の利益を優先する社会が生まれるでしょう。一方で、この動機が神の知恵に基づくものであれば、私たちは地上に天国、すなわち神の国を築く可能性が高まります。 神の教えを生きるとは、自分の行動や選択を常に反省することを意味します。反省を通じて誤りを修正し、人生の方向を再び見つけることができます。たとえ困難や不公平に直面しても、正しい道を選び流されることなく進むのです。これにより、人間の弱さや魂の成長の必要性に気付くことができます。 神の教えを生きることは、外部の環境や文化の影響を受けるだけではなく、道徳的で正しい価値観に基づいて行動し、外部の環境を積極的に変えていくことです。神の意志とは、人間世界をより良い場所に変え、より美しい未来を創造することです。 また、神の教えを生きることは、まず自分自身を愛し、その愛を他者や世界に広げることを意味します。この純粋な愛を通じて、私たちは内なる力を最大限に引き出し、他者や社会のために役立つ行動を起こすことができます。このような行動は、自分自身の中に真の愛を発見し、魂の奥深くにある無限の力を見出すことにつながります。このような生き方をすることで、単に「生きる」だけではなく、人生の意義と価値を生きることができるのです。 神の言葉に従うことで、私たちは内なる霊性の可能性を引き出し、より良い自分になり、世界に奉仕することができます。これこそが人生の最も貴重な体験です。 神の教えを生きることは、自分を犠牲にして他者を助けることだけを意味するのではありません。それは神の知恵を生活に反映させ、自分自身と他者の両方に利益をもたらすことです。これを実践するためには、次のようなステップから始めることができます: 私たちはしばしば物質で心の空虚を埋めようとします。しかし、イエスが荒野で誘惑に直面したときに示されたもう一つの答えがあります。それは信仰に根ざし、神の教えを生きる人生です。神の教えが私たちを導くことで、私たちは内なる養いを得て、真の満足と幸福へと向かうことができるのです。

活出上帝的教义:寻找灵魂的富足

Yicheng · Nov 11, 2024

本文节选于一次志愿者谈话,做了一定的修改。讲述者是道何。 今天我们对“寻找灵魂的富足”做一探讨。 感谢大家的参与和旁听。 上帝永远祝福于我们,愿我们与上帝同在。 在《马太福音》中,耶稣在旷野中度过四十天时,魔鬼试图引诱祂将石头变成食物,耶稣却说了这样的话:“人活着,不是单靠食物,乃是靠上帝口里所出的每一句话。”(马太福音4:4)。这句话启发我们去探索真正支撑我们的力量,并指引我们超越物质需求,探索精神上的富足。 在现代社会中,物质欲望越来越容易满足,人们却越来越与精神世界脱节。我们所有人都在追逐更有钱、更豪华的车、更大的房子、更高的分数、升职等等。当然,这些追求都是正当的,是为了更幸福的生活和社会进步,但真正指引人生方向、维系人类社会的,实际上是无形的精神力量。 人类的行为总是由潜在的动机所驱动,而这些动机往往源于我们的价值观。如果这些动机主要出于自私的欲望,那么我们就会创造一个每个人只关心自身利益的世界。而如果这些动机源自上帝的智慧,我们则更有可能在地球上建立一个天堂,或者说上帝的国度。 真正活出上帝的教义,我们就会发现时刻反思自己的行为和选择。通过反思,我们能够修正错误,重新指引人生的方向。即使面对生活中的挑战和不公,我们也会选择走正道,而不是随波逐流。由此我们能够认识到人性的弱点,以及灵魂成长的必要性。 活出上帝的教义意味着不再只是被动接受外来环境与文化的影响,而是以道德与正确的价值观引导自己,积极行动起来去改变外在的环境,这才符合上帝的意志。上帝的意志就是让人间变成一个更好的地方,让社会有一个更加美好的未来。 活出上帝的教义意味着爱自己,还要把你的爱扩及他人与世界。由这份真挚的爱,我们的能力会得到充分的释放,做各种各样能够利益他人与社会的事情。这些行动让你发现自己内在的真爱,发现灵魂深处无尽的力量。如此生活,我们不止是在活着,而是活出了生命的意义和价值。 遵循上帝的话语,我们能够激发内在的灵性潜能,成为更好的自己,服务世界,而这正是人生最可贵的一部分。 活出上帝的教义并不意味着牺牲自己成就别人,而是以上帝的智慧引导我们的生活,激励我们去创造更多利益和财富,这些反过来也将惠及我们自身。我们可以从以下几点开始: 我们常常用物质去填补内心的空虚,但耶稣在旷野中面对诱惑时给了我们另一种答案:一种扎根于信仰、活出教义的生活。让祂的教义指引我们走上正道,我们才能获得内心的滋养,走向真正的满足与幸福。

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