Violence – None Should Perish

Each day, teens face some form of violence. Some see it in their neighborhood or their own homes. Some see it on T.V. and in movies. Still others choose to play violent video games. Some even face violence at school.

God doesn’t want use to be victims of violence. He doesn’t call us to be violent. So how can we teach our teens that life doesn’t have to be filled with violence in a violent world? Let’s turn to “the Way, the Truth and the Life”.

1. In a world of complainers…

Philippians 2:14-15 ~ Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

* Have you have ever heard someone complain about a gift they were given? Did it hurt when someone didn’t appreciate the time and effort you put into choosing the right gift for them? That’s how God feels when we complain about life. Every part of life is a gift from God, our Heavenly Father. We are telling God we don’t appreciate what He has given us. Complainers aren’t fun to be around. They bring themselves down and they bring everyone around them down.

2. In a world where damage happens…

Psalm 18:18-20 ~ They confronted me in the day of  my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

* Even when others damage your belongings and you want to retaliate by damaging their belongings or hurting them, we are called to forgive. It is God’s place to punish if He chooses.

3. In a world of revenge…

Ezekiel 45:9 ~ This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “You have gone far enough, O princes of Israel! Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing my people,” declares the Sovereign Lord.

* When push comes to shove, God wants us to step back. Count to ten. Take deep breathes. We are called to rise above revenge. Vengeance is the Lords. We are called to be peacemakers. To love one another as He loves us.

4. In a world of vicious gossip and lies…

Proverbs 4:14-17 ~ Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

* Words can cut deeper than any knife. With a few carefully chosen words, a person can be reduced to tears, overcome with grief and pain or even pushed into depression. As we gossip we are inflicting wounds that may never fully heal. A life can be destroyed with the vicious words that come from anger, jealousy and pain. Who are you inflicting pain on because of careless words?

5. In a world full of anger…

Ephesians 4:31-32 ~ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

* It’s so easy to get angry. Someone cuts you off while driving. Another person pushing in front of you at the grocery store. And how about the person who took the last muffin at work on the one morning you were too late to eat breakfast at home? These may all seem silly compared to the big things in this world that causes so much anger but it isn’t any less wrong to get angry over the little things. Anger is real, no matter the size. We all experience it at some point. Because anger is a strong emotion, it isn’t easy to control it. We are called to be slow to anger and to put away our bitter, rage and anger. The next time you feel anger, take a deep breath and slowly release it. Count to ten. Walk away if all else fails. Nothing will be solved by giving into your anger. Trust in the power of God instead of the power of violence.

6. In a world full of evil…

Psalm 37:1-4 ~ Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.eful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody

Romans 12:17-18 ~ Do repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

* Yes, there is evil in the world. Our enemy is not of this world. If we choose to be triumphant over evil, we must not give into evil ways. We must stand strong on what God says is good and pleasing. Evil doesn’t have to be murder, or blowing buildings up with people in them. Evil can be anything that goes against God and His teachings.

*VIOLENCE may be unavoidably around us and maybe you are stuck in a no win situation, but rise above the violence. Trust God to be your strength and protector. Live the best life you can through Jesus and follow God’s calling. He didn’t create you with such love that He knows each hair on your head, just so you could fall short of extraordinary. He has plans for you (Isaiah 44:2; Jeremiah 1:5-8; Jeremiah 29:11)

MORE SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 99:8 ~

1 Samuel 24:1-13 ~

Matthew 26:47-54 ~

Psalm 34:13-14 ~

Psalm 101:3-4 ~

Proverbs 16:6 ~

Habakkuk 1:13 ~

Tags: anger, Evil, Freedom From Violence, Peaceful Living, Violence, Violence and Abuse