The United States Constitution gives We the People the right to peaceably protest. It does not give us the right to burn down buildings, loot stores, and break windows in other people’s property or government buildings such as what happened at the Ohio Statehouse Thursday night.
Article [I] (Amendment 1 – Freedom of expression and religion)
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Article 1
United States Constitution
(Emphasis mine)
What The Bible Tells Us
Here is what the Bible instructs us to do. It contains a verse that I have rarely heard quoted. Pastors and ministers have stopped after the 19th verse.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21
English Standard Version
(ESV)
Emphasis mine
Now I DO NOT advocate ACTUALLY dumping burning coals on someone’s head. Besides, if you pray for them and then tell your enemy that you prayed for them, you will confound and confuse them. Knowing you prayed for them will mess with their head and they will wonder what you are up to.
So pray a blessing on any and all people causing uproar in your personal life and causing uproar throughout our country. Then if you feel called to protest, do so peaceably.
Here is my blessing for you, your family, your friends and our country:
The Lord bless you and keep you;
Numbers 6:24-26
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance[a] upon you and give you peace.
English Standard Version
(ESV)
Bio: Michele Kearns is the founder and HUG© (Hope Unites Globally) Award-Winner of JoyReturns. She shares her widowhood adventures hoping to inspire widows to move through grief and rebuild their lives. A graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in communications, she’s currently using those skills as a virtual logistics contact center representative for a Fortune 100 company. She’s also managed call center teams, co-facilitated a grief support group, and helped small businesses with various writing assignments. Michele is a bookworm, and a lover of history, music, chocolate, red roses, and golden retrievers. She also does not think or pray like you normal people. Michele is also the amateur photographer behind the blog OgleOhio.com
JoyReturns 