The Vicious Cycle of Violence: Finding the Path of Peace

Another young life has been cut short. The news of Charlie Kirk's death is truly heartbreaking. No matter our political differences, the loss of a life to violence is a tragedy. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work. This is a senseless loss, and it's a stark reminder that we must find a way to end the political violence that is tearing our country apart. It’s got to stop!

Violence, whether in a dark alley, college campus, city park, subway, or on a global stage, is a chilling reminder of a fallen world. The headlines are often grim, painting a picture of a world in turmoil. We read of natural disasters and devastating storms, yes, but we also see the tragic results of human conflict—shootings, stabbings, beatings, bombings, and the cold, calculated acts of hatred that leave communities shattered and lives irrevocably changed. These events, whether in the heartland of the USA or in distant lands like Israel, Ukraine and Russia, highlight a fundamental human problem: the resort to violence as a solution.

As followers of Christ, we are called to a different path. The world operates on the principle of "an eye for an eye," but Jesus presents a radical alternative, a way of life that defies human logic: turn the other cheek. His teachings challenge us to a higher standard, to respond to tribulation, persecution, and hate not with force, but with love, patience, and unwavering faith.

A Different Kingdom, a Different Response

Jesus's life and teachings are a masterclass in non-violence. When a mob came to arrest Him, Peter, in a moment of human impulse, drew a sword and cut off the ear of a servant of the high priest. What was Jesus's response? He healed the man's ear and rebuked Peter, saying, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). This single act and statement encapsulate a core principle of His ministry: violence is not the way of the Kingdom of God.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus laid out a clear and challenging blueprint for how His followers should live in a hostile world. He said, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also" (Matthew 5:38-39). This is not a call to weakness, but to a profound strength that comes from a different source—divine love. It is a powerful act of faith, trusting that God will ultimately be the one who delivers justice.

The Challenge of Love in a Hateful World

The world will not understand this. In fact, Jesus warned His disciples that they would be hated and persecuted for His name's sake. "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you" (John 15:18). He knew that following Him would not be an easy path, and that those who seek to live a godly life will face tribulation (II Timothy 3:12).

In the face of this hate, our response is to be a reflection of Christ Himself. "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14). This is perhaps one of the most difficult commands in all of Scripture. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate pain and anger and to see the lostness of those who hate. It is a command to pray for our enemies, to do good to those who spitefully use us, and to love them (Matthew 5:44). This kind of love is not a passive emotion; it is an active choice, a testament to the transformative power of God's grace.

Patience as a Virtue

In a world that demands instant gratification and swift retribution, patience is a revolutionary act. When we are faced with hate or injustice, our first instinct might be to fight back. But Scripture teaches us to be patient, to wait on the Lord, and to allow Him to work. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). This requires a deep level of trust and a willingness to surrender our own desire for revenge.

This is not to say we should be apathetic in the face of injustice. We are called to be advocates for the weak and to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. However, the means by which we do so must always be rooted in love and the principles of Christ. The ultimate goal is not to win an argument or to defeat an enemy, but to win a soul and to demonstrate the power of the Gospel.

A Call to Action

Our current news has been inundated with videos of death and pictures of suspects. Names, ages, dates, states, survivors and heartbreaking details. Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moysk (8 & 10-MN), Iryna Zarutska (23-NC), Charlie Kirk (31-UT), Julie Gard Schnuelle (59-AL) and the list goes on and on. In the wake of recent tragedies let us not be swept away by the world's despair or its violent solutions. Instead, let us be a light in the darkness, a people who react with the peace of Christ. Let's challenge ourselves to:

• Pray for those who perpetrate violence and hate. This is a difficult but essential step in emulating Jesus's example. Pray for those who hate you.

• Seek opportunities to show love and compassion to those who have been hurt, regardless of who they are or what they’ve done. We should be known for our ability to react with grace and dignity.

• Be a voice of peace and reconciliation in our communities and online. Post positive content. Avoid making it political. Don’t encourage negative or hateful speech.

• Embrace patience, trusting that God's plan and timing are perfect. Be still.

Violence may seem like a powerful answer in the short term, but it only begets more violence. The only true solution is found in the love and patience of Christ. Let's choose to live out that truth today, and every day, so that a broken and hurting world might see a glimpse of His kingdom. Justice often needs to be practiced but it doesn’t have to be in anger or hate.

Finally… Pray for our country. Today is the anniversary of one of the saddest days in American history (September 11). Pray for our world. Today in countries all over the earth people hide in fear of bombs dropping in their neighborhood.

Pray for our children. Pray for our college campuses. Pray for love to replace hate. Pray we learn to appreciate the views of others. Pray for peace with one another. Pray the world learns the difference between right and wrong. Pray for the Lord Jesus to come again to bring an end to the violence. Pray. Please pray.

You are loved.

Ray Reynolds, PhD

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