Whew!

I agree with the “Whew” part especially. I would hate to have to translate; “have nothing to do with these people”. I hope it wasn’t translated perfectly into 21st century american. I have a hard time with that taken literally. I am at risk of being accused of watering down scripture but here goes anyway…… What if……. What if it really means not to “have nothing to do with these people”, but have nothing to do with the type of behavior/actions that these people are displaying. Do not condone them maybe. Show love, and be love always. I remember reading somewhere about shaking the dust off of your feet and leaving. There may be a time for that but I would expect just quietly leaving would usually work.
Would Jesus ever condone going to war for any reason?
I am sure I don’t  know.
It might be off of the subject, but it seems to me that any withholding of love. (which I define as the same as withholding forgiveness) is always what leads to war.
Was Jesus a pacifist?
I don’t know.
I do not claim to be one. I suspect fear could easily overcome love in a spiritually undisciplined person like myself. That said, I have to believe Jesus was a pacifist. He actually trusted God and didn’t resist those who crucified him.
That makes me wonder what would Jesus do if another person (say family) was in danger from some other person. I suspect fear is our biggest enemy, and spiritual training/practice our best defense. Whew!