The Problem of Violence (1): The Need for Peaceableness
November 25, 2007
by Harry Osborne

Have you seen a news broadcast lately that did not have at least one story on a violent act done by a teenager? Do you find it alarming to see the number of young people involved in violence at younger and younger ages? When one scans the lyrics of current rock and rap music, the proclivity of references to violent acts is shocking. Our young people are being inundated with messages of violence from music, movies and even the literature they are often required to read in schools.

However, the problem is not restricted to the young. The evidence of growing violence in our society can be detected in the lack of civility manifest in normal speech, media sources and even the destructive gossip too often tolerated among God's people. The problem we face is undeniable. If we are going to correct the problem, we must address the root causes. In the next few issues of this paper, we will examine some of the Bible principles that would correct this problem if they were properly applied.

Before we examine how to correct the problem, let us first see a positive view of what our goal should be. The Scripture speaks of the need for us to exhibit the quality of peaceableness in our lives. It should be expected that God would demand a peaceable nature of His creation since He is described as "the God of peace" (Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; etc.). God's will in all areas is for man to put upon himself the characteristics manifested by God. Thus, when introducing the gospel of the kingdom, Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

The word "peaceableness" denotes a state of harmony that exists in relationships due to the presence of proper attitudes and the absence of attitudes or actions destructive of such harmony. The Bible has much to say about the need for this peace to be present in the lives of those who would seek to obey God. Let us notice a few of the passages teaching us God's will regarding this subject.

"Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:17-18). The person who wants to serve God does not seek revenge for every perceived evil done towards him. He recognizes that the desire for self-vindication must be subordinated to the desire to live peaceably with others by doing everything within his power to reach that goal of peace.

"He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it" (1 Peter 3:10-11). Life cannot be enjoyed when it is lived amidst animosity. However, for peace to be present within one's life, he must not only desire peace, he must also actively "pursue it." One must act in such a way as to promote peace if it is to exist in his life. A mere desire for peace will not bring about the desired end, but an active pursuit of peace is the only way it will become a reality in our lives.

"For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace" (James 3:16-18). This passage presents some interesting truths regarding the quest for peace.

First, it tells us that in the absence of peace there is only jealousy, faction and every vile deed. Peace does not dwell with ungodliness. Sooner or later, the greed and degeneracy that characterize the paths of evil will lead to conflict. That is why partners in crime often end up with one party cheating or even murdering the other. It also explains why drunkenness may lead two people to share a bottle at the beginning of the evening only to end the night in a brawl. What began as an absence of true, godly peace in many homes has all too often ended in the vilest of deeds leaving lives broken beyond mending. Individuals who allow their hearts to be overcome with bitterness, anger, wrath and malice do so to their own destruction. Where hearts are poisoned by such attitudes, ungodly actions will surely follow in abundance.

Second, James tells us that peace is the companion of the wisdom that comes from above. The wise writer tells us about such wisdom as follows:

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her (Proverbs 3:13-18).

Third, James tells us that true peace may only exist in the presence of purity. A life lived in pursuit of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life will never come to know a life of true peace. Thus, a society that has abandoned the principles of purity taught within God's word should not be surprised when peaceableness is in short supply. The fact that God is called "the God of peace" is corollary to the fact that "holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts." True peace will not be possible in a life filled with sin. The sinful pursuits and false concepts that promise peace hollow lies held out by the devil to allure those desperately needing what he can never give. Peace is not possible with or through sin. Peace is only possible by giving oneself fully to "the God of peace" and His will.

There are no short-cut remedies available for a society overcome with violence. To resolve the problems, we must first admit that which has gotten us into the present mess and determine to set our eyes on the proper goal. That goal can be attained by our country only if it returns to the founding principle - "In God We Trust." Why? Because the solutions for our ills are only available from God as people search for the answers in His word and then implement such. The same approach is also necessary to have peace within the family, the local church and our individual lives. Durable peace comes from listening to and obeying God's will. There is no lasting peace where God's will is forsaken.

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