Is There An Answer to the Violence?

by Barbara Latta

Perilous times will come.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

While people have been scoffing for centuries about the return of Christ, the signs are more prevalent now than ever before.

The recent tragedies in the United States leave some scratching their heads wondering why. But the answer is in that verse. We are in the last days and a spirit of anti-Christ dominates those who don’t know Him.

Government officials always think they have the answers by crying for gun control, legislation, or throwing more money into programs. What’s missing is the root cause of the problem.

People act in violent methods because they are controlled by evil influences. When God

Violent people are controlled by evil.

does not control a person’s action, Satan is in charge.

When Jesus left the earth he left the command to be witnesses of Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1: 8). That doesn’t mean each one of us are supposed to go all over the world. Some are called to do that, but we are all called to be witnesses wherever we are. Our Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria is the sphere of influence we live in—our neighbors, family, friends, co-workers and anyone we meet in our daily life.

We can be an influence wherever we are and lost people will hear the gospel. If they respond the devil loses another disciple who can kill and maim.

The natural reaction to the acts of murder and rebellion call us to respond in kind. But Jesus tells us to do the opposite. Hate only breeds more hate and the gospel is hindered.

Our part is to proclaim Christ to those who are lost and pray their eyes will be opened by the Holy Spirit to accept His love and mercy.

Here is what we can do on an individual basis when something like this happens:

• Don’t get in fear (Psalm 91)
• Stay strong by renewing our minds in the Word so we won’t be deceived by lies (Romans 12:2).
• Pray for strength to respond in a Christ-like manner (1 Peter 9-12).

Proclaim Christ to the lost.

Jesus said, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).

Please join me in praying for the families of those who have lost loved ones and pray that He will help us all to spread the gospel to every creature.

Leave your comment below about your thoughts.