Is violence necessary? To be on the same page we need to first be clear about the definition of violence. The way I see it violence is the use of physical force to harm someone, to damage property, etc. The bible is very clear about violence and God’s views handling the matter. In Ezekiel 45:9 it says “Give up your violence and oppression”. In John 3:8 it says “give up their evil ways and their violence”. The one thing these verses have in common is at the beginning they both say “Give up”. Which means to abandon or to get rid of. So we see, God wants us to get rid of the violence that is in us. 1 Timothy 3:3, and Titus 1:7 both have “not violent” in them. Again, we see that none of us should be violent.

What we consider violence also affects what we do. Violence can be as big as a war, or as small as a hit in the arm by intentionally trying to hurt the person. Also, in Genesis 9:6 it says “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.” This means that violence against other humans is wrong because God made us in his image and that would be considered murder if we killed a person. There is a value and a worth to every human life, in that case violence is a moral offense. Where does this physical force come from? Jesus says that it comes from a deeper place: the heart (Mark 7 14-23). For example, murder is an act of violence. We also know that it is a sin. (Matthew 5: 21-22) But, there has to be a source reason for that murder. It could be rage, anger, etc.

What can we do about this violence? In the beatitudes it says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”. (Matthew 5:9) We see that we should be peacemakers rather than violent people. We need to realize also that we will never be able to eliminate violence from this earth, but we strive to lessen it. In John Stott’s commentary of the Sermon on the Mount he says , “Now peacemaking is a divine work. For peace means reconciliation, and God is the author of peace and of reconciliation.” With this being said we need to look to God to help us make peace in this world. You need to pray that he may help you find peace. With that being said the next time you’re about to act out in rage or anger think to yourself: “Is this the way to handle this matter or is there another way? The answer is yes.