LESSONS FROM JESUS CHRIST

The same teaching is echoed in the Quran: And good deeds and evil deeds are not alike. Repel evil with good and he who is your enemy will become your dearest friend. (41: 34) This is a practical code of conduct for us in society that shows us the way to live in peace and harmony. Duty Consciousness The people asked Jesus what they should do under the oppression of the Romans ruling over them. He said: Give to king what is due to the king. And give to God what is due to God. This was in the time when there were kings and people were subjects. If the kings want wealth or taxes, give it to them and then you are free and at peace to do whatever you want. This is the same situation with us now days; if we give to the government whatever is our obligation to them—taxes and abide by the law, then we can do whatever we want in the countless other fields. A similar Hadith (sayings of the Prophet of Islam) from Bukhari: Give the ruler his rights. Ask for your rights from God. Peace under all circumstances Similarly Jesus says: To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods, do not ask them back. According to the Quran: ‘Reconciliation is the best’ (4: 128). This message of peace preached by all the messengers of God is the answer to the mindless violence that we witness throughout the world in the present day. o