Article 18. LOVE AND NONRESISTANCE
ARTICLE 18 LOVE AND NONRESISTANCE
We believe that it is the will of God for His children to follow Christian love in all human relationships. Such a life of love excludes retaliation and revenge. God pours His love into the hearts of Christians so that they desire the welfare of all men. The supreme example of nonresistance is the Lord Jesus Himself. The teaching of Jesus not to resist him who is evil requires the renunciation by His disciples of all violence in human relations. Only love must be shown to all men. We believe that this applies to every area of life: to personal injustice, to situations in which people commonly resort to litigation, to industrial strife, and to international tensions and wars. As nonresistant Christians we cannot serve in any office which employs the use of force. Nor can we participate in military service, or in military training, or in the voluntary financial support of war. But we must aggressively, at the risk of life itself, do whatever we can for the alleviation ol human distress and suffering.
Matthew 5:38-48; John 18:36; Romans 5:5; Romans 12:18-21: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4; James 2:8; 1 Peter 2:23; 1 Peter 4:1.
Fulfilling the Law of Love
We believe that taking the bankruptcy law for personal advantage and being actively involved in labor unions are violations of scripture and are not permitted. Members shall not get involved in the political pacifist movement which uses non-violent methods of resistance such as withholding of military taxes, resisting draft registration. demonstrations, marches, boycotts, and petitions.