If you're anything like me, you probably feel helpless about the recent shootings, including the shootings of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, and 5 Dallas Police officers. Devastating attacks seem to be happening all the time. You wish that you could do something to battle these conflicts, but you're unsure what needs to be done. Is there something we can do that will counteract these senseless killings?
Here is how Jesus responds to conflicts, anger, and retaliation which shows us the most peaceful way that we can also respond to them.
What can be done?
- Reconcile Relationships
Before we dive into what we can do, we need to admit our faults. We need to recognize and own up to our prejudices, whether they're directly responsible for the issues or not. Before we can offer anything, we need to be made right with one another.
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” -Matthew 5:23-24
Each “group” has faults and if we’re all humble enough to admit them, we will have already conquered a large step towards peace.
- Let go of anger and judgment
It’s extremely easy to get over enthusiastic when discussing these tragedies, but more often than not, people fall into arguments and then into anger. It’s important to express one's opinions, but they should be expressed in a loving and understanding way.
Matthew 5:21-22 says, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘you shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council…”
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" -Matthew 7:1-3
We need judgment to stop and self-evaluation to begin. All too often we judge others for doing or saying something that we ourselves are also doing or saying.
- Counteract evil with good
We have all heard the phrase “Don’t stoop to their level”, it’s pretty self explanatory. When we retaliate with hate, it doesn’t stop the hate. The best thing to bring to the table is love, patience, and understanding.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." -Matthew 5:38
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” -Matthew 5:43-44
“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” -Matthew 5:46
It’s easy to love those who love you, but when you love those you hate you, you’re being a change in the world. It’s rare for people to love unconditionally, and when someone demonstrates any degree of humbleness people want to know why. The smallest characteristic of love shines brighter than any daily act of violence or anger.
- Spread encouragement through our words.
What someone says matters, but it also reflects their heart.
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” -Matthew 12:36
“But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” -Matthew 15:18
Lastly, let’s be peacemakers….There is enough hate in the world, let’s not add to it.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” -Matthew 5:9
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." -Matthew 5:16
When we stop focussing on ourselves, we begin to focus on others, and when that happens, love shines through. We can still use these circumstances to give God the glory by showing people His love.
