Are We To Be Passive Or Aggressive For Righteousness' Sake?

Let me answer this question by using Jesus as an example.

In Scripture, there are many times that, when Jesus was being attacked, tortured, ridiculed, bullied, humiliated, or rejected, He either slipped away quietly, turned the other cheek, kept silent, showed no anger, refused to defend Himself (even when given the opportunity), washed His disciples' feet (including the one who would betray Him), or prayed to His Father to forgive His enemies (as He hung from a cross, bloody and beaten).

On the other hand, there are also many times, particularly when others were being abused, hurt, turned away from God, or led astray by other people's sins, such as the hypocrisy of religious leaders, that Jesus became mightily aggressive. He spoke boldly, argued, condemned, insulted, showed courage, became heroic, commanded, yelled, flipped tables, and whipped men.

So, in the Bible, Jesus is portrayed as passive at times and aggressive at other times. Jesus acted passively when He was the only One at stake, showing God's humbleness, love, and forgiveness; Jesus acted aggressively when others were at stake, showing God's protectiveness, authority, and holiness.

Therefore, there will be times when Christians are to be passive for Christ's sake, like lambs among wolves, bringing nothing with them.

"Go!

I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

Do no take a purse or bag or sandals."

Luke 10:3-4 (NIV)

And then there will be times when Christians are to be aggressive for Christ's sake, bringing with them a sword, so they will be prepared to fight.

"But now if you have a purse,

take it,

and also a bag;

and if you don't have a sword,

sell your cloak and buy one."

Luke 22:36 (NIV)

Let the Holy Spirit be your guide.