Target Statement: Always remember that we are fighting FROM victory, not for it. So remember who you fight for.

As Christians, are we doormats or doorbells?

Doormat: The purpose of a doormat is to simply lay down and take whatever comes your way. Mud, snow, gum, etc. You just take it.

Doorbell: The purpose of a doorbell is to notify the homeowner that there is somebody at the door that would like to talk.

Manage the Tension

So the question still needs answering, are we called to sit still and take it on the chin, or stand up and fight?

The answer is YES.

Matthew 5:43-44, You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Romans 12:18,  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

But there is also scripture to back up scrapping:

Ephesians 6:13-17 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God,

I’ve heard it said this way, “It’s better to be a warrior in a garden rather than a gardner in war”

So when is it acceptable to stand up and speak?

1. When it can further the Kingdom by sharing the Gospel
2. When it's morally incorrect/unfair IE: Paul being a roman citizen and being bound and beaten Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.
   1. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9
3. When we are in a position to do these things in a kind, loving, Godly and wise way
   1. James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
   2. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head — Christ. Ephesians 4:15

Understand the Misson

Love translated in the original language of Matthew 22, verses 39 and 40 is translated “agopo”, which is a verb. It carries the idea of ACTIVELY loving both God and people. So by that standard and definition, the deepest love that we could have for someone is to have such an adoration of who God is, that the love that we have for him is seamlessly transferred to what He loves the most, His creation.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6