IT IS NOT EASY TO BE LIKE JESUS
Christians like to believe that because they follow Jesus their attitudes and behaviors toward all people — especially their enemies — are righteous.  They do not see Jesus’ passive responses to abuse as acts of love.

Responding to abuse of any kind is never easy, but Jesus shows his followers how to do it with grace and an attitude that does not aggravate the situation. The most memorable exception to his typically peaceful behavior is when he chased the moneychangers out of the temple. Other examples are found in his accusations against religious leaders. In those occasions he was playing on offense as a truthteller. When we examine what Jesus said the the religious leaders we understand why religious leaders plotted to crucify him. When that plot was executed, however, Jesus’ response to abuse and mocking was always passive and never defensive.

The lesson we learn from Jesus in these examples is that he went on offense only when he was talking to religious leaders, and then it was with words of truth that challenged their religion. But when he was put in a defensive position, he was totally passive. These are the attitudes and behaviors that people who follow Jesus should emulate but do not. Christian Nationalists, for example always respond defensively to even the slightest challenges addressed to them. Their common grievance is that they are persecuted by Democrats. Here is what Perplexity ai reports about Republican grievances:

The Republican Party has been characterized by a perceived sense of persecution and grievances, as evidenced by various news articles and opinion pieces. This perception is often linked to claims of conservative victimization, a persecution complex, and a narrative of being under attack by the establishment. The party’s focus on grievances, fear, and hate has been noted as animating its members. This has led to a narrative of being persecuted for the sake of their beliefs, particularly exemplified by former President Donald Trump’s speeches. The party’s increasing war with federal law enforcement agencies and its tolerance of flirtations with white nationalism have also been cited as contributing to this narrative. The Republican Party’s shift towards embracing white grievance ideologies has been highlighted as a central component of its current identity. These sources collectively illustrate the prevalence of a perception of persecution and grievances within the Republican Party.

Constant complaining about persecution is clear evidence that the title “Christian” so proudly displayed by Christian Nationalists proves that they are not in the least like Jesus. They do not pass the basic test for what it means to be like Jesus when persecuted. Someone should tell them what it really means to be like Jesus.

In the temple stories about the money changers Jesus was not violent with the moneychangers themselves. He was simply destroying their business because religion is commerce. Destroying religious commerce effectively destroys religion. The goal of Christian Nationalists is to advance their religious beliefs and practices — not destroy them. This is another example of Christian Nationalists failing to be like Jesus. Someone should tell them.

Jesus’ passive responses to abuse model forgiveness and self-control that are elements of loving your neighbor trust that God will bring justice to abusers. The world would be a better, more peaceful place if more people — religious and nonreligious — would follow Jesus’ example and leave revenge for abuse up to God. That is what Jesus did when he prayed “father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”

Below are scriptures about loving responses to abuse, persecution and mocking. Although the principles in these scriptures carry some religious baggage, they can be easily applied by anyone — including people who do not believe in God. Every time someone applies these principles in their relationships, they contribute to the world becoming a better place.

It is always important to remember that the principles in these verses do not preclude appropriate legal remedies. Holding lawbreakers accountable for their actions is an act of love. God has established legal authorities for good and the authorities he establishes execute Godly love by holding people accountable for their wrongdoing through legal systems.. In other words, God uses legal authorities to establish justice for both wrongdoers and their victims. When God says that vengeance is his he means vengeance for himself and victims of abuse.

Whatever response we make to abuse and mocking, however, it is best done with an attitude of forgiveness from the heart. If forgiveness from the heart is not present, holding on to bitterness in the heart causes trouble that is inconsistent with love for God, love for self and love for others. Forgiveness is a behavior that is sorely missing in politics. Accumulated unforgiveness effectively builds the impenetrable wall that divides families, states and nations.

Here are scriptures about forgiveness:

Luke 23:33-35

And when they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 [But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves. 35 And the people stood by, watching. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”

Matthew 5:43-45

43 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.…