Two Kingdoms: One Christian
Christians are citizens of two kingdoms, one in heaven and one on earth. In John 18:36 Jesus explains to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.� This verse explains why Jesus commanded Peter to put away his sword during his arrest. I believe that Jesus wanted to avoid confusion about his kingship so he makes this statement to Pilate. Jesus explains that if his kingdom were “of this world� his servants would fight. This implies that it is acceptable for a kingdom of this world to fight if the cause is just. Followers of Christ must understand that they are citizens of heaven and earth and when they fight in a war they are fighting as ambassadors of his or her country, not as ambassadors of heaven.

War and turning the other cheek
At a glance Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:39-41 appears to be promoting a life of pacifism. However, there are a couple considerations to explore when applying this passage to the issue of war. It is important to see that Jesus is giving these instructions on an individual and personal level and he is not addressing governments. Jesus is presenting principles of living rather than public policies. Although government officials may have been present for his sermon, it is safe to say that Jesus was teaching the people how they should conduct themselves in relation to God and others.

Another important thing that needs to be addressed is Jesus’ use of hyperbole in his Sermon on the Mount. This sermon was packed with statements that would have been radical to his original audience. Jesus didn’t want his audience to literally gouge out their eyes if they caused them to sin or always pray in solitude with the door closed. Jesus used these statements to drive home points and solidify principles. That being said, the principle of loving enemies and turning the other cheek gives us insight on how to show mercy and how to develop a heart free of vengeance. Yet justice remains another issue.

Conclusion
I understand that the gap between mercy and justice and the gap between love and war, get wider when you are standing on the battlefield. Should Christians go to war? If peace is not possible and the cause is just, Yes. Should Christians continue to struggle with this issue? Absolutely.
Wherever you stand on the issue of war, I believe all agree that war is not the ideal way to deal with conflict. However in the fallen world in which we live we must not let evil overcome. We must act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our Lord. At a corporate and public level we must exercise justice in order to deter evil from having its way. On an individual and private level we must display the mercy of God by praying for those who persecute us and loving our enemies.

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