Violence is front and center both globally and in America. We began the year with another school shooting. Wars are being fought, violent protests are happening on college campuses. As we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., his approach to hate and violence is more important than ever. Most of all, he knew the importance of love to transform the heart –a solution we hear little about today. He chose non-violence and love over hate.

In his first book, Stride Toward freedom, Dr, King advocated nonviolent resistance with the idea that you confront evil with the power of love. He believed that the Christian doctrine of love is the most potent weapon for those who are oppressed. Hate has no role. And he practiced what he preached when he confronted racism. He serves as a powerful example of how to respond to hate and violence.

Here are his 6 principles: 

1. Resist evil without resorting to violence.
2. Win the friendship and understanding of your opponent.
3. Evil itself, not the people who commit evil acts, should be opposed.
4. If you are committed to nonviolence, you must be willing to suffer without retaliation. Suffering can be redemptive.
5. Avoid external physical violence and internal violence of the spirit.
6. Refuse to hate.

Many current movements have rejected these principles, but it is time to return to MLK’s approach. Are we choosing love over hate? We have a choice. While we can’t control the press, hate groups and violent people, we can control our mouth and actions. We can look to the Bible for guidance.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

Pause and mediate on this verse. Now, think about what you have said in your day-to-day conversations with friends and family. Have your words met the standard of Psalm 19:14?  The way we talk about our differences is important because it expresses what is in our hearts. You don’t have to like someone or agree with their positions, but you should not hate them.

1 Peter 2:12 tells us, “Keep your conduct honorable.”

Honorable conduct includes words. No name-calling, gloating, elitism, fear-mongering, hate, lying and disgust. Instead, we are to guard our hearts and mouths because words are powerful. Let’s not be guilty of behaving in ways that are disturbing. Let’s resist the urge to retaliate against those who are mean-spirited. Matthew 5:44 tells us to bless those who curse us and pray for those who spitefully use us. Ultimately, we are to love our enemies. This is only possible with a transformed heart.

James 3 tells us that we can praise our Lord and Father, but also curse our brothers and sisters who have been made in God’s likeness. The tongue is a fire, capable of consuming others. It must be tamed by the Holy Spirit in us.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” Now is the time to model love, humility, and civility toward one another–whether you like or hate the direction of our country. Haven’t we had enough verbal attacks and negative messaging? Have we forgotten that mercy triumphs over judgment?

We, the people, can behave differently. Let’s start by controlling our tongue and actually treat each other with respect. Today, honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and God by choosing love over hate.