Make Love, Not War this Valentine's Day

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  

From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, 

which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, 

and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

"Make Love, Not War" was the slogan that a group of us who are now old and gray remember from the  idealistic and passionate days of our youth. I was too young, but only slightly, to be involved in the protests and marches where banners and buttons with these words were employed, but old enough to appreciate what was unfolding on the streets of our American neighbours. There was a tension reflected in this slogan because those seeking an end to the war in Vietnam and others working toward racial justice felt they were involved in a fight for what was right, but could this happen without violence. Even Dr. King, whose civil rights movement was nom-violent, recognized that  " in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard.'

Today is the celebration of romantic love and it comes as a trial concludes for a US president who incited violence which led to a riot by those who thought they were unheard. His actions were a disgrace, and he clearly used "fight" language to stir up his hapless mob. The defense argument was that it was metaphorical, and that some of his accusers had used similar terms without the assumption that violence would ensue. This was disingenuous, to say the least, and everyone knew it.

Sadly, many of those who stormed Capitol Hill on January 6th claimed to be Christians and engaged in violence which resulted in the deaths of several people.

On this Sunday morning we remind ourselves that we are followers of the Christ who refused violence, even to save himself, and ushered in a reign of love, Through the centuries the disciples of Jesus, beginning with the apostle Paul, have used the language of "fighting the good fight" with the understanding that this was a spiritual battle, not a physical conflict. Paul also speaks about the principalities and powers with which we contend as people of faith:

For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

On this St. Valentine's Day we can express love to those who are dear to our hearts. We can also ask where and how we engage in the "good fight" for compassion and justice as an alternative to the anger and violence around us in the world. 

1 Fight the good fight with all your might;

Christ is your strength and Christ your right;

lay hold on life, and it shall be

your joy and crown eternally.

4 Faint not, nor fear, God's arms are near;

God changes not and you are dear.

Only believe, and Christ shall be

your all in all eternally.

                                     Voices United 674