The Law Of Violence

Yesterday there was another public shooting. Three people were killed and nine injured by a gunman who apparently went into a Planned Parenthood to do harm. We don't know many of the details. It could be that it was just a personal issue. Maybe it was a form of justice against an organization that has murdered millions of babies before they were born. We may never know the truth of that day.

But we do know an overarching truth. Violence gives birth to violence. Jesus spoke of this... 

He told His disciples ,"All who take up a sword will perish by a sword." Matthew 26:52)

That is a powerful phrase. It is true for everyone. In the specific context, Jesus tells Peter to "Put your sword back in its place." Apparently for the Christian, the sword's place is not at the throat of his enemy, but put away.

We also find these words in the book of Proverbs (wise sayings)...

Don’t envy a violent man or choose any of his ways; for the devious are detestable to the Lord, but He is a friend to the upright.
The Lord’s curse is on the household of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous; He mocks those who mock, but gives grace to the humble.
The wise will inherit honor, but He holds up fools to dishonor. (Proverbs 3:31-35)

That is the truth about violence. Sometimes violence is used to stop violence, and that is acceptable in certain cases according to Scripture (Government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. - Romans 13:4). 

But violence is always the seed to more violence. Those who make their living killing others will usually end up themselves being a victim of violence, whether they are a hitman for the mob, or an abortion doctor for an abortion clinic. They live by violence, and so they set themselves up to experience violence. This is also often true for the one who engages violence to end violence, such as police officers, military personnel, or vigilantes.

This is not to say that a peaceful person cannot experience violence in a fallen world. But it is a general principle about violence and violent people. What's the best plan? To not be a violent person. Be upright. God defends the upright. It may not be in the way you would, but it is always right.

Today, turn away from violence, and turn to the One who is just and all powerful. Let Him be your shield and strength.

[Bible quotes are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, unless otherwise noted.]
 
Find more of David’s work at Heart Of Ministry.

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