God's Word to the Wise

(Romans 12:18) “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

I was looking to purchase a handgun and I asked my dad for advice. He asked me why I wanted a handgun. I answered, “For protection.” He replied, “Aren’t you and your family protected by God?” I responded with a “Yeah but…” Our chat continued and at some point during the chat I asked, “So you are saying that even if mine or my family’s lives were threatened, we should just surrender ourselves to it?” He answered with no hesitation, “Yes!”

Before my dad’s life in Christ, some of his friends and acquaintances called him, Dirty Ernie, the Polish Garbage Man. I have never been given an explanation as to why he was called that. The Ernie Reinkoester I knew even before his having been born again, said few words, rarely became angry, and when he did he possessed the remarkable ability to quiet his voice and remain under control. I never personally witnessed him become violent.

Pre Christian – People did show him the kind of respect that is often shown to someone you know not to mess with.
Post Christian – He was respected for his integrity, willing to do what was necessary, even at great expense to himself and family, to help others, and his all around easy going manner.

My dad believed that violence, even in self-defense, was never the Christian’s option. The Christian’s Savior preached peace. Not peace as in the end of all bloodshed and the inhumanity of man to man, but the peace which has been established between the holy God and sinful humankind through His blood shed on the cross. We who deserved the wrath and violent action of God against ourselves, are now at peace with Him. So let the Christian withhold their wrath and violence against all, even our enemies, and in so doing they might too be granted peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.