We’ve seen it time and again through the years. Whether Israelis and Palestinians in Israel, Republicans and Democrats in the USA, or Sunnis and Shiites in various middle eastern countries, there is a deep-seated division, hatred even, that is very hard to overcome (rather, it usually escalates). And almost 2000 years ago, in an environment no less of a powder keg than today’s Israel, came a man speaking of the blessedness of being meek, merciful, and peacemakers — even while being persecuted — and commanding that his followers do something highly unusual, in our culture and in theirs. 

Scripture:   Matt 5:38-48; Luke 23:32-38