The militants from the extremist group calling themselves Islamic State have executed an American hostage, in retaliation for the US air strikes against their colleagues in Iraq. This group is already notorious for their brutality and we know that their being armed makes them extremely dangerous.
The latest breakdown in the Gaza ceasefire is because both sides claim the other side is armed and dangerous.
These very different stories show how we are used to people justifying their violent behaviour when they can point the finger at others who need to be stopped from using their positions of power to cause damage to others. In the background lurks the claim of righteous self-defence.
Is there a different way?
St. Paul was used to the rough and brutal Roman world, and he describes his response to the struggles he has faced. But he did not use the violence of others as an excuse for his own violence.
'We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defence. We serve God whether people honour us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us.' (2 Corinthians 6.4-8)
It is striking that Paul talks of power and weapons, but it is God's power and the weapons are weapons of righteousness. He talks of serving God, which shows itself in sincere love for people.
In this brutal and dangerous world, I pray that people who follow Jesus will live in such a way that others are brought to the freedom of the children of our Father.
Best wishes,
Richard.
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