VIOLENCE & CONFLICT © 2016, MOAMFJ. All rights reserved. Scripture taken from KJV (public domain)
Domestic violence, gender based crime, abuse, bullying, gang warfare, family feuds, tribal warfare, genocide and civil war are just a few examples of the types of conflict becoming increasingly common around the world. The Bible’s predictions signal to all concerned that difficult times are ahead. THIS KNOW ALSO, THAT IN THE LAST DAYS PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME. FOR MEN SHALL BE LOVERS OF THEIR OWN SELVES, COVETOUS, BOASTERS, PROUD, BLASPHEMERS, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS, UNTHANKFUL, UNHOLY, WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION, TRUCEBREAKERS, FALSE ACCUSERS, INCONTINENT, FIERCE, DESPISERS OF THOSE THAT ARE GOOD, TRAITORS, HEADY, HIGH MINDED, LOVERS OF PLEASURES MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD; 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-4 (KJV).
Sometimes warning signs are ignored and tragedy seems to strike without preamble. While others seem to progress in life, your life might be in constant reflux as you are continuously starting over. With hindsight you recognize aspects of life you would now do differently, but at this time, your sole focus is to cope with the crisis at hand. When faced with overwhelming challenges most persons typically respond in one of four ways, i.e. 1. quarreling and swearing, 2. fighting, 3. devising evil schemes, 4. or harnessing demonic power. While such reactions are understandable none of these methods solve real problems. In fact such methods are more likely to aggravate and prolong the issues rather than fix them.
A first step to successfully dealing with violence and conflict is to recognize which of the four methods you are prone to using.
Next you should identify which of these methods brought the crisis to an end. The answer should be none since these methods are simply reactions to problems but do not solve real problems. Thirdly you need to acknowledge that when dealing with issues bigger than yourself, you need help from One who is much greater than yourself. May I introduce you to Christ?