Throughout the world, we see increasing hostility and intolerance toward those viewed as our enemies. Hate and war is spreading and it’s touching every nation. We see it as our duty to resist evil and fight for what is right. But where does it end? We have come to love the fight rather than the peace it was meant to provide. We continue to seek out conflict which leaves us in a constant state of unrest. Our polarizing society has made us intolerant of compromise, and acts of violence have become the dominant expressions of resistance. When you fight fire with fire it leaves the whole world ablaze. How can we expect to conquer hate with more hate?
Hate is as destructive and contagious as a virus. Eventually “winning” is all that matters. We are tempted to morally compromise our integrity telling ourselves that the ends justify the means. When we attempt to take control of the situation it demonstrates our lack of faith. It assumes we know better and that our ways are better, but our way is often displeasing to 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. Worse yet is that evil acts are committed often in the name of God! Good can never come from evil; they are in direct opposition to each other. Once we allow hatred into our hearts we are corrupted by it until it consumes us.
Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
“Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword.”
Matthew 26:50-52
Even when the cause is worthy and our intentions are honorable, we can’t allow hostility to take root in our hearts. The world is starving for understanding and compassion! The only way to fight hate is by embodying the principles taught by Jesus.
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
Luke 6:27-36
We must remember who has the power to right every wrong. It is not our job to bring justice because we are all imperfect people. Only Jesus has the right and authority to bring judgment on others. Then how do we change the world? Peace is a product of love. People can only be transformed through a change of heart. The only way to change hearts is through acts of love and forgiveness.
God has a plan, and justice will come. We must be patient as we wait for it’s fulfillment. God’s justice, like his love, is perfect. He is slow to judgment (by our standards) 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 submitting our requests to God. We should fight to forgive those who do the unforgivable. This can’t accomplish this on our own, but it’s made possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. 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. 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.
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
Seek and You Will Find 