Violence should never be an option in a civilized culture. Hate is never a healthy motivation to base one’s actions upon.
We expect it from ISIS and the more expansive worldwide movement of Islamic Jihad. It’s part of their ideology – their religion – to convert infidels (those who are not muslim) or to kill them.
Like Islam, Ideologies and regimes that begin through the use of violence, or who encourage or use violence to make a statement or to remain in power, are a blight on society. This includes belittling, race baiting, fake news with the intent on discrediting another individual or organization, and slanderous or hate speech.
Most intelligent individuals know that mass media is keeping violence in the news cycle to keep ratings up. They are as much a part of the problem as those causing or condoning the violent events happening at home and abroad.
No matter what your beliefs, creed, race, or nationality are, if you want peace and reconciliation, decide to be a part of the solution and not the problem. In the midst of it all, choose to be a part of the solution and not a promoter of the problem. How?
- Are you willing to resist the natural temptation of emotional reaction to lash out at those who persecute and revile you, and pray for them?
- Are you willing to pray for peace and reconciliation to come to the rising tensions between races and ethnicities here and abroad?
- Choose to speak humbly in the face of opposition and to seek peace through forgiveness.
- Determine that your voice seasoned with grace and mercy and your actions rooted in active forgiveness and a constant choice for reconciliation.
When God’s love (agape and phileo) are shown to others – to the world – instead of resentment, hatefulness, and animosity which all lead to violence both in your heart and beyond, you become a plantet shaker, a world changer, and an ambassador of God’s love to the world. Are you ready? You got this!
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