We have a violence problem in the United States, and it’s deeper than what we see on the news; it starts within our own hearts. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that sin starts long before its final action. He clarifies that murder begins with anger and the words we use against people.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” – Matthew 5:21-22
In this sense, we are all guilty of murder. Recent events like the murder of Charlie Kirk, Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, the burning of Governor Shapiro’s home, attempts on President Trump’s life, and the assault on Nancy Pelosi’s husband all highlight this issue.
Jesus says it all starts with words – for our current culture, that can mean a burst of anger, a curse, a name called . . .a social media post. When the Matthew 5:9 Fellowship was in its early stages, a group of pastors met to learn from an expert in curbing political violence. She emphasized that public name-calling and dehumanizing words are key red flags indicating potential violence. Violence starts with words…
What does it look like for us to be different? How can we be peacemakers without compromising our convictions?
- Stop Using Dehumanizing Language: Avoid labeling and name-calling. It strips people of their individuality and humanity.
- Us vs. Them: “Them” language tends to puts people in a box in your own mind that they can never escape. Focus on commonalities rather than differences. Bridges are built through seeing and hearing from people as individuals.
- Overlooking the Image of God: Referring to people as evil dehumanizes them and justifies violence against them.
- Talk About Ideas: Ideas carry value (good or bad). Discuss ideas rather than categorizing people. Ideas are sometimes dismissed when they come from someone we have labelled. Talking with respect toward someone with an opposing idea can go a long way toward reducing toxic polarization.
- Be Peacemakers Within Your Own Tribe: We refer to this as being an “In-Group Moderate,” and without question, it is where most peacemakers experience the greatest amount of pain. It simply means that we spend more time talking with our own “team” about how we interact than we do yelling at the other “team.”
- Demand Better From Those Who Represent You: Support leaders who embody the standards you expect from yourself.
The violence problem we face isn’t just a political one, but a human one that begins in our hearts and is expressed through our words. The true path to peace will only be found when we choose to be peacemakers, starting with the language we use every day.
Dean Kuest
This is not a typical bio I would use to introduce myself to strangers, but ministry is often where we present our best on the “front stage” and hide the dirt “backstage.” Like social media, it is easy to produce the stuff that makes us look great, but I long for relationships that are real…so here is my “honest” bio.
I am a husband of 33 years to my beautiful wife, Leslie. I am a pastor and a PK who raised five PKs (all boys). I am now Pops to five grandchildren (four girls in there – finally). I have a great relationship with my parents and my boys. I’m so proud of each of them.
I am an example of failure—I have put my work above my wife for many years. I have never had an affair, but the church has been my mistress at times. Leslie has been gracious, and we have worked through those wounds and scars. We are an example of perseverance, and I am so grateful for the love we nurture.
I was blessed to be rooted in one church in the Phoenix area for 25 years. I was blessed to be uprooted and lead a church plant in the Seattle area for eight years. I have climbed the ladder of leadership in an exceptionally large church. And I have been humbled by a complete loss of confidence at the end of my time in Seattle.
I sought help and learned several things about myself.
I tried to do everything myself and had poor stress management.
I have ADD and need strategies and medication to deal with it.
I had a hormone imbalance that contributed to my anxiety.
Thirteen years later, I continue to learn about those strategies and how to tap into the support I need.
I was one of the original nine pastors who met together in 2018 to dream the dream that has become the Matthew 5:9 Fellowship. I am passionate about the Gospel, the love and grace of Jesus, and I long to be a peacemaker in a polarized world. I have learned to be honest about what God has gifted me to do and where my abilities fall short.
I like to build and create. I don’t like to maintain. I have always had great people skills, but I am a poor administrator and event organizer. I lead with grace because I know I have needed it throughout my life and ministry. I am not always good at giving myself grace because I have a VERY LOUD inner critic who is very opinionated and always self-effacing. I am a gifted coach and mentor and connect well with younger generations of pastors.
I would love to come alongside you as a coach. As a reminder, the first session is free, and the Matthew 5:9 Fellowship will pay for two more.
Shoot me an email if that is something you would like to explore.
