The Law of Love: A Summary & Devotion

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The Context (1840)


In 1840, a group of believers at Oberlin formed a society based on a radical interpretation of the Gospel. Their manifesto, the Declaration of Sentiments, argued that because Christ is the "Prince of Peace," His followers must totally abandon "carnal weapons." They believed that any government sustained by force, any military action (even defensive), and any legal retaliation (lawsuits) were "anti-Christian" and contrary to the spirit of Jesus.

​The Scripture

​"But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also." — Matthew 5:39


​The Devotional Reflection

​1. Trading Force for Forbearance

The Oberlin Society’s constitution was built on the belief that a Christian’s work is not to control others by force, but to "win them to the obedience of the Gospel by love." They argued that the only way to overcome the enmity of the world is to refuse to participate in it.

  • ​Reflection: How often do we try to "force" our way or "protect" our rights through anger or retaliation? True power, according to the Gospel, is found in the "invincible power of kindness," which trusts that God is our only true Protector.

​2. Living as Ministers of Mercy

The document makes a sharp distinction: the world acts as "ministers of wrath," but the Christian is called to be a "minister of mercy." The members of the society pledged to withdraw from civil offices, military service, and even voting, choosing instead to pledge their supreme allegiance to God’s kingdom rather than human governments built on coercion.

  • ​Reflection: We are ambassadors of a kingdom that "has no end." This summary reminds us that our primary identity isn't found in a political system or a national identity, but in our likeness to Christ, who suffered and died for His enemies rather than destroying them.

​3. Safety in Surrender

The most challenging part of the Oberlin text is its insistence on "passive, lamb-like submission," even in "extreme cases." They believed that non-resistance is actually safer than violence, but more importantly, it is the only path that ensures a "conscience void of offense." They pointed to the martyrs—and to Christ Himself—as proof that the goal of life is not to save it through violence, but to sanctify it through trust.

  • ​Reflection: Are we willing to trust God when we feel threatened? The Oberlin believers argued that "if we die, God will see to it that His name is glorified." This is the ultimate test of faith: believing that God’s way of peace is better than the world’s way of survival.

​Closing Prayer

​Lord, help me to embody the spirit of the Oberlin believers—not out of a desire for rules, but out of a deep love for You. Grant me the courage to trade my "carnal weapons" of sarcasm, retaliation, and being defensive for the "spiritual weapons" of kindness, mercy, and forgiveness. May I be a witness to Your peaceful Kingdom in a world of strife. Amen.

References: nonresistance.org

A Highland Theological College graduate and non-conformist follower of Jesus living at the crossroads of neurodiversity and faith. Writing through the lens of the proverbial Forest Parish on the wild grace of the Gospel.

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