Do you ever think that we are our own worst enemy? This question occurred to me after hearing comparisons between COVID vaccination and the atrocities of the Holocaust. We should be resisting evil and fighting injustice, but have we taken things too far? We no longer seem to know when to stop fighting. We have come to love the fight rather than the peace it was meant to provide. We continue to seek conflict even where none exists, leaving us in a constant state of unrest.
The world is starving for understanding and compassion, but our polarizing society has become intolerant of compromise. Acts of violence and open rebellion have become the dominant expressions of resistance. How can we expect to conquer hate with more hate? Even if the cause is worthy and our intentions are honorable, we can’t allow hostility to take root in our hearts.
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
Matthew 26:50-51
Hate is destructive and contagious, tempting us to take matters into our own hands. When we attempt to take control it is often in ways that displease God.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8
Our desire to be God drives us to solve our own problems. While we may succeed in solving one problem, we only create new problems for the future. Abraham’s impatience for a son led to the birth of Ishmael, giving rise to a nation that would forever be in opposition to Israel. History is full of self-created problems brought on by mankind’s impatience. To make matters worse, evil acts are committed often in the name of God. Once we allow hatred into our hearts we are corrupted until we are eventual consumed by it. This is why Jesus instructed us to love our enemies. Jesus’ response to his disciple illustrates this point.
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Matthew 26:52
We must remember who has the power to right every wrong. God has a plan, and we must be patient as we wait for it’s fulfillment. Our eagerness to take control and force our will demonstrates a lack of faith. Do you trust that God will ultimately bring justice to all? If we truly believed that we might not be so quick to condemn each other or to seek retribution. God’s justice, like his love, is perfect. He is slow to judgment by our standards only because he seeks to redeem the lost. God’s judgment is not postponed because he needs our help. Justice will be established at its proper time according to scripture.
Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
Matthew 26:53-54
So how do we fight against injustice? We should fight on our knees. Prayerfully submit your requests to God then patiently wait for God to fulfill his plan. To do this we must surrender our will, our pride, our anger, and our resentment. Walking with Jesus in faith empowers us to follow his commandments, showing love and compassion when it would otherwise be impossible.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31
We will only find peace by surrendering our lives to one greater than ourselves and trusting in the fulfillment of his word. It’s time to stop fighting and allow God to rescue us.
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