Today is the official holiday set aside in the United States to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And on this MLK Day, I want to highlight my favorite Dr. King quote.
It’s not an easy task to pick my favorite Dr. King quote since there are so many. Indeed, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is among the greatest civil rights champions in human history. His voice is among the most eloquent for the value of all mankind and the sanctity of human life itself.
Nevertheless, on this MLK Day, I give you my favorite Dr. King quote, which is:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
This quote brings to mind (and is perhaps inspired by) the Apostle Paul’s moving exhortation in his epistle to the Romans. Paul writes:
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.
That passage (Romans 12:17-21) is among the Bible’s most eloquent. And it exemplifies what the Christian’s response should be to evil. We cannot drive out evil with more evil. We must overcome evil with good.
This was the epitome of Dr. King’s approach to the long campaign for racial equality and civil rights, and it should be our approach as well as we pursue justice in this fallen world.
