Stemming the Tide

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:21

  Violence has been, and yes, is becoming an ever-increasing preoccupation for the populace. It takes up a great portion of the news as it attracts viewership in not only telling us the story of some assault or fatality, but oftentimes showing the graphic scene. Then you have video games that promote violence as fun, enjoyable or a necessary part of entertainment. You can't leave the subject without mentioning its presence in sports and movies. The more gruesome or potentially harmful to another or oneself it is, whether life threatening or just causing major injury, the better, according to our society. Risking one's life or future for the thrill of it or a "like" on some social media platform has become a badge of honor. Violence has become glamorized, and those who commit it are seen as worthy of emulation.

  Our God is not a God of violence nor does He condone it, rather He desires peace and puts a premium upon preserving life. In our situation as those of society, and as a norm, we must pursue peace and live peaceably with all men (1 Peter 3:10-12; Romans 12:17-18). It is our prerogative as believers to seek the welfare of those around us, in love for the brotherhood, and patience with all men (1 Peter 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15).

  We need a pursuit of thoughts and actions that would lend toward peace. May we not let our hearts crave violence, and reckless acts (even pretending to perform such) that could bring harm to ourselves and others. If this is our tendency, it is time to confess this sin, and allow God's Spirit to produce a tenderness and gentleness.

Violence: “The use of physical force so as to injure, abuse, damage, or destroy."

And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. Genesis 6:5, 11