Peace In The Midst Of Violence

Romans 13:1-5 has much to say about law and order. “ Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore, one must be in subjection not only  to avoid God‘s wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.”

One problem is that many no longer have a conscience when it comes to knowing the difference between good and evil, and since they no longer see fit to acknowledge God, He has given them over to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.

There are those who are for law and order, and those who are resisting it. One doesn’t have to agree with all that the governing authorities are doing (and perhaps they cross the line at times),but they need to be respected and there is no reason to fear them if one’s conduct is good.

There is a much better way to bring peace in the mist of resistance and destruction. If people don’t want to talk respectfully to one another it will never happen. People also have to be willing to get past their political views and see the facts objectively. This is difficult at times because there are so many pieces of events coming from the media that we don’t get the full picture of what and why something happened. However, there is absolute truth in the Bible that doesn’t change no matter what the media reports, right or wrong.

What does the Bible teach no matter the context of the event? Romans 12:9 says, “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Romans 12:18 adds, “If possible, so far as it depends on you live peacefully with all.”  This requires a change of character. How does this happen?
It is necessary to “put off your old self which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds”(Ephesians 4:22).

A new way of thinking must be developed. This will only happen when one recognizes that he or she is in bondage to their way of living. John 8:32 says,” If you know the truth, the truth will set you free.” Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). It is not about a religion, but a relationship with the living God, which over time will lead to the change of character that will abhor what is evil and cling to what is good. There will be respect (though not necessarily agreement) for those who are trying to carry out law and order instituted by God.