Differentiation

I have been noticing an increasing misapplication of Scripture that leads to serious consequences. Have you heard those who oppose war arguing that Jesus said to "turn the other cheek," or to "be at peace with all men," therefore our government has no right to pursue war? They have misunderstood Scripture. These commands are to us individually, in our own relations with other men. The responsibility of those in authority is different. The government is to "bear the sword" for the punishment of evildoers, not to turn the other cheek.

The obligation is if you are offended personally, then you should respond to the clear command of scripture and forgive those who have sinned against you, as often as necessary. However, if you are in authority over those in sin, you have a different obligation. You have an obligation to confront sin, restrain those you have authority over from sin, punish sin as you are able, and to lead those who follow you to righteousness. As you have power, you also have the obligation to protect the weak who are being attacked, even those weak not under your direct authority. The Bible gives responsibility with authority. To use the authority and reject the responsibility causes us to partake of the sin of those under us, whether our children, employees, congregation or citizens.

Let's be careful to use Scripture in a way that is warranted by the text.