(Today is Stop America’s Violence Everywhere)
Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
With the violence that has gripped our nation, I saw a picture of a man standing on the charred remains of a burned-out car destroyed in the surge of violence holding a sign saying, “No Justice, No Peace.”
I agree that all injustice should be dealt with, but it should be done in a way that is productive and doesn’t promote more violence and injustice.
After Peter cut of the ear of one of the High Priest’s servants who came to arrest Jesus, Jesus said, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)
So instead of more violence, which inspires more in return, we need to seek justice in a way that promotes peace, which is at the heart of God as Jesus makes this one of a Christian’s main attributes.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9), which Solomon calls a wise course of action (Proverbs 29:8).
But if we want justice for wrongs done, such justice must first be procured within us. What do I mean? Before justice can be pronounce upon another, God reminds us of the justice He demands first, which starts with the wrongs we’ve done to others and God.
To those wanting justice against the woman caught in adultery, and who were ready to mete out such justice, Jesus said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” (John 8:7)
Jesus reminded them that they had to deal with their own injustice to God before any justice could be meted out upon anyone else.
A man innocent of the crime was approached by a friend who said they were praying for justice. The man responded, “Don’t pray for justice, pray for God’s mercy.
Therefore, the peace we need, the peace we long for isn’t found in justice being served, but rather in God’s mercy being poured out.
I am reminded of James 2:13, “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Demanding justice of those who promote violence or those who have wronged us personally, will never bring about the only true peace that is found only in Jesus. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He did not cry out for justice for those who put Him there and those who were mocking and blaspheming Him. Instead He prayed, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do” ( Luke 23:34) That was not just for those who were presently there at that time; that was for each and everyone of us. How can we not show mercy on others given how much God has shown mercy on us, in giving us His Son to be that sacrifice for all of us for our sins. Rather than retaliating, we need to go before God and ask Him to “search our hearts” (Psalm 139:23-24). Then with the mercy He gives us, we need to give to others.
Nicely stated. Thanks