PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY - MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT
June 17th, 2026.
Violence is the intentional use of physical force or power to threaten, harm, or damage people, communities, or property. It encompasses not only direct physical injury but also psychological harm, sexual assault, and severe deprivation. (Merriam-Webster)
The Bible generally condemns interpersonal violence, murder, and oppression, viewing them as deeply offensive to God. While the Old Testament records instances of warfare and capital punishment, the overarching message calls believers to pursue peace, gentleness, and to leave ultimate judgment in God’s hands. Because humans are created in the image of God, violence against a person is seen as an attack on God's creation, making intentional murder a severe offense (Genesis 9:6). The commandment "do not murder" (Exodus 20:13) extends beyond physical actions; Jesus taught that harboring murderous anger or abusive speech in one's heart is equally destructive (Matthew 5:21-22).
But someone may say, God Himself ordered the killing of whole nations including children! (1 Sam. 15:3) “Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy[a] all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.” And Matthew 11:12 reads: “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.” While Jesus says to His disciples; “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” Are these scriptures not encouraging violence?
What appeared to be a violent decision made by God is actually His judgement for the wicked. “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” (Gen. 6:5-7)
Human beings violence is not judgement, it is an act of wickedness and disobedience.. If it is judgement, we are not supposed to judge. We do not have what it takes to judge others (Luke 6:37). For the same reason, vengeance is God’s not ours. (Rom. 12:19) Matthew 11:12 is a warning and preparation that the followers of Christ know the cost of following Him. The world will not be kind and we must be prepared spiritually to stand firm in faith. We cannot answer violence with violence (Mat.5:38-39). (To be contd)
THE WORD: So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Gen. 4:6-7 NKJV)
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