Tag Archives: Violence

If Guns Were Outlawed

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Quote_guns_vs_no_gunsI saw a bumper sticker recently that said, “If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will carry guns.” It made me think of recent tragedies in public schools where a student has brought a gun to school and taken the lives of others. I can’t imagine being a parent or loved one of a student or staff member who was a victim to this sort of thing.

I wondered how something like this could be deterred, if not stopped if guns were outlawed. In my opinion, the person who went into their school intent on killing others was an outlaw. If guns were outlawed, they would still find a way to get their hands on a gun or some sort of explosive device if they were intent on taking the life of someone.

I came across this little illustration and it made total sense. I am not for violence of any kind. Life is too short for such things. But, this might have been the deterrent that was needed to stop the killing of so many innocent men, women, and children in shootings that took place in public schools.

Now that I think about it, it might also work very well in banks like it did in Texas in a town where it was legal for all citizens to carry side arms. Two bank robbers who were passing through town thought they would rob the good people of that town of their money. They walked in, pulled their guns, and a few dozen bank customers pulled theirs. It did not turn out well for those bank robbers. I imagine that it would not turn out well for the deranged student who brings a gun to school intent on bringing harm to others.

Violence Never Brings Peace – Only God’s Judgment

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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?

  1. 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?
  2. Are you willing to pray for peace and reconciliation to come to the rising tensions between races and ethnicities here and abroad?
  3. Choose to speak humbly in the face of opposition and to seek peace through forgiveness.
  4. 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!

Tell us what you think. Rant a little. Comment alot!