THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to declare 2 October as the “International Day of Non-violence” on 15th June 2007, in recognition and appreciation of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent means to secure India’s freedom from the British colonial rule. The purpose being, to “disseminate the message of non-violence…the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence…to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.”

Mahatma Gandhi intentionally chose non-violence as his means of expressing the desire of Indians against the British rule. Gandhi held on to the principles of non-violence, despite facing many tough and testing times. Many of his fellow freedom fighters considered it as a weak position. Many openly disagreed with him on this. Yet, Gandhi was unfazed, and he determinedly held on to his commitment and belief in non-violence. He and those who had faith in non-violent freedom struggle, did achieve independence from the British, the dream of every Indian. Gandhi’s unwavering faith in non-violence has inspired not only Indians, but also many all over the world. International Day of Non-violence is a recognition of Mahatma Gandhi as an ambassador for peace and non-violence.
– “Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence, has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The theory behind his actions…was that “just means lead to just ends”; that is, it is irrational to try to use violence to achieve a peaceful society. He believed that Indians must not use violence or hatred in their fight for freedom from colonialism.” – UNO Website

The “Sermon on the Mount” of the LORD Jesus played an important role in Mahatma Gandhi’s belief in non-violence. In his autobiography, “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” Gandhi says this about the Sermon on the Mount – *”went straight to my heart.”* About the LORD Jesus, the following are the views of Gandhi in his own words…
– “Thus I say that Jesus occupies in my heart the place of one of the great teachers who have made a considerable influence on my life.” – Mahatma Gandhi

As a Christian we should ask, are we willing to place our trust in the LORD Jesus, and in His words about life and living as found in the Gospels, especially the Sermon on the Mount, as did Mahatma Gandhi? Would we be willing to follow the words of our LORD Jesus, as found in the Sermon on the Mount? To what extent would we be willing to obey our LORD Jesus, if we decide to obey His teachings on non-violence? A pertinent question to ask ourselves this morning, as the world celebrates the International Day of Non-violence. 
– “27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 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. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. 32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” – Luke 6:27-36
Even so, the LORD Jesus help us.