In the face of violence

Thursday March 3, 2022

In the face of violence

Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but let the anger work, for it is written : The vengeance is mine, I will give everyone what he deserves, says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he is thirsty, give him drink, for by doing so you will heap burning coals on your head. Do not allow yourself to be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21

Violence breaks out more and more easily. All occasions are good to let off steam by giving free rein to the violence that hides in every man. A good education, a quiet life and a supportive environment may have contained this violence. But these three “bulwarks” are very fragile : insecurity is increasing and the general situation is deteriorating. We hear it said, perhaps with reason : “where is the authority ?” or “repression only makes things worse”, or even “we have let things happen for too long, we must punish”.

In fact, in order to be able to apply a remedy, one must first seek the source of the evil. Many blame society. But this society is made up of individuals of which I am a part ! It must therefore be admitted, the evil is in my heart. The proof : when I suffer a wrong, there is often a thought of revenge that comes to my mind. As I am well-mannered, I hold back, but am I really ready to forgive deep down ?

The time may come when I no longer have control of myself. Faced with violence from others, perhaps verbal violence, I am ready to respond. Then, if this violence takes place, who will prevent me from defending myself physically ? And since the best defense is attack, the spiral of violence is launched.

There is a better strategy to employ, that is the strategy of the Christian. It has several aspects. First, if the fight does not concern me directly, I will withdraw : before the dispute becomes heated, go away (Proverbs 17:14). If it risks putting someone in danger, my duty is to intervene, but with wisdom, gentleness and firmness. But if it's me who is taken to task, I will not reply, leaving God to act. Since revenge belongs to God, I will refrain from intervening in what belongs to him. And then I will overcome this attitude of non-resistance towards an enemy by the practice of good... to win him to Christ.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)