According to Psalm 11:5 The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. Another translation says His soul hates. Gulp…That’s a very serious warning when God, who is Love, hates.
I know so much focus has been on gun violence lately. Gun violence IS a horrible thing. But violence has no preference for the tool it uses to accomplish its will. Be it a van, an airplane, a gas chamber, a fist, the list is endless. History has told the ugly story of the atrocities human beings have committed against each other. So how is it that our country has seemingly been plagued with so much violence lately? Let’s read what the bible says in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
Unfortunately, as the love of Jesus continues to get pushed out of America the level of violence (and intensity) will continue to rise. So how do we as the Body of Christ bring peace in a world of violence? By living our lives according to Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We are called to change our culture and to bring light to the darkness. The only hope of the world is Jesus.