While most of Mario’s gaming adventures are designed around demonstrating his physical acrobatics, in his exploits as “Dr. Mario” he gets to show off his more cerebral side by carefully matching doses of medication with the viruses that he is seeking to cure. His skills as a fire-throwing, turtle-stomping daredevil are pretty useless in this domain… this mission field calls for healing, not battle. These viruses can’t be defeated by Mario using the same strategy that they are fighting him with… he can only resolve these conflicts by confronting their “evil” with the “good” medicine that he is carrying, carefully aligning his actions to provide a heaping dosage of loving care to overcome their hateful antics.

While Christ certainly sent out His followers to tear down the wicked spiritual strongholds of darkness on this planet, the human souls we encounter during these missions need to see His love and peace demonstrated, not our skills in fighting fire with fire. It is not in the strength of our arguments, but through the sincerity of our kindness and love in the presence of these conflicts that the Lord’s light shines brightest. Let’s fight today’s battles HIS way, confronting anger and hate with patience, love and grace… in a world desperately searching for healing, His truth shared in genuine love is the only cure.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21

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