Fighting evil with Virtue

Christians in Indonesia understand themselves as an integral part of this society and nation. We have so far shared the same house, which is the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia, amicably and peacefully. However, various tensions, problems and even crises have lately pervaded our big house.

The state as a common dwelling place is no longer properly understood by our leaders. Different societal intergroup conflicts deprive citizens of their peaceful life. Some groups are trying to demonstrate their power to others. Other groups are considered a threat.

In the effort to create a feeling of security for all citizens, the government has not yet fully succeeded in taking concrete measures leading to harmony and peace among us. We are longing for a peaceful atmosphere that makes fellow countrymen feel secure without any ethnic, religious, racial or political prejudice. This feeling will enable all of us to work toward the common welfare.

It is again this secure feeling that enables all citizens to foster relationships beyond the shadow of threats, pressures or isolation. Various positive attempts to bring about peace have indeed been made by all components. But these attempts have not yet produced maximum results and still need to be continuously undertaken with direction, planning and quality.

That is the background of this year's essence of Christmas. In the spirit of Christmas Day, when Jesus, king of peace, was born, all Christians need to listen to the guidance provided by the Apostle Paul for the Romans. He advised them to live in peace with everybody.

The Apostle Paul said they should bless even those who persecuted them (Romans 12:14). To bless means to plead for God's love, compassion, peacefulness and protection. Paul's guidance reverberates in Jesus' words, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" (Luke 6:27-28; Matthew 5:44).

Paul advised his congregation not to repay evil for evil, but to do what is noble in the sight of all (Romans 12:17). "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).

When people repay evil for evil, they actually are overcome by evil. Whoever commits a crime, they are already under controlled by the crime and do the evil they are opposed to. When they receive evil treatment from others, they need not hate and refuse to associate with them, but they should remain friendly and even ready to help them in difficulty.

This spirit should inspire Christians in building their civilized nation. It's a spirit capable of affecting thought, behavior and relationship in order to act without regard to groups, religions, ethnic origins and identities as well as various political slants.

The Christian community is called upon to rid itself of egoism and brace itself to appear as a witness of love for all citizens in this republic. The call of love is the basis of faith. No faith goes without love and compassion. Faith without deeds of mutual love between equals is futile. Good deeds are the foundation of togetherness: The church should be "environmentally friendly" and show solidarity with the distressed and displaced people.

This character taught by Paul to the Romans should boost the zeal of Indonesia's Christians, who live in a pluralist society. They should be proactively involved in various endeavors to build a peaceful society and struggle for justice and public welfare in manifesting the country as a common dwelling place.

The diverse issues emerging in social life should be faced together and settled through dialogue, as well as with serious participation in efforts to create true brotherhood among fellow countrymen by fostering a cooperative way of living in relevant communities. The basis of approach should be fighting evil with virtue, never letting virtue be overcome by evil.

Our enemies are not our fellow citizens, but instead they constitute the evil that can prompt people to commit wicked deeds and harm equals. The space enabling the spread of evil against virtue should, therefore be further reduced.

The writer is Interfaith Communication Executive Secretary of the Indonesian Bishops Conference and the National Council of Setara.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/12/24/fighting-evil-with-virtue....