I don't want to be seen as a push over. I just don't think my "rights" matter as much as obedience to God.
Were that true, you wouldn't own a computer, because you'd have sold it to give to the poor. Yes, your rights matter; they matter to God, too. He wants you to prosper and be in health just as much as your soul prospers from you being saved.
God values me even if others don't.
Amen.
So what do we do when others are bullies or evil or something?
Personally, turn the other cheek. God's got your back. If you say you aren't a pushover, then you'll stand up for yourself and defend your life and your family's life; if you're charitable, you'll even do so for your neighbors or your nation.
How do we engage the enemy when we are supposed to love them?
We don't seek out ways to destroy, but rather do good to those who are our enemies. Giving them over to the authorities for incarceration (or execution, as required) isn't hate. God said that police and soldiers are His Ministers acting on our behalf.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Having enemies is one thing. Being a good neighbor to all people is another. So maybe if we love everyone no one will be an enemy.
Why didn't Winston Churchill or President Roosevelt think of that?!? Wow, you've really got something there.
When it is personal is different than when there is evil that it is all it can be called. Still, what then? What if all people just wait until war is necessary and then win? That would create wars.
Yes, I agree: evil people create wars. They will continue to do so until Jesus takes over this world. Until then: we will have to make this world as safe as we can by confronting evil in it's every form.
