As Far As It Depends On You

Q

I really enjoy your site. It has been a true blessing. I would like to know what you think of the Pastor from Florida who tried to burn the Koran. Do you think that Christians should take such positions and take such a stand like that?

A

Romans 12:17-18 says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” To me the key phrase is “as far as it depends on you”. If someone is trying to ram a false religion down my throat, I believe the Bible gives me the right to resist. The Book of Daniel recounts several such attempts against Daniel and his friends. They didn’t incite anyone’s anger or try to pick a fight or resort to the enemy’s tactics in any other way. They just stood their ground and refused to compromise their faith, and the Lord blessed them for it.