A Response to Violence: Loving in the Way of Christ

The last few weeks have been heavy. News headlines and social media feeds have carried images and stories of violence that leave us stunned, grieving, and sometimes even angry. As Christians, we cannot ignore the brokenness of our world. We weep with those who weep, and we mourn alongside families and communities devastated by bloodshed. But the question that presses on us as disciples of Jesus is this: How do we respond?

What is the Bible’s Call in the Face of Persecution

Jesus never promised His followers a life free from suffering. In fact, He said the opposite: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Paul echoed this reality, writing, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

The early church knew violence firsthand—scattered by persecution, imprisoned for their faith, and in many cases, killed for proclaiming the gospel. Yet the book of Acts records not a spirit of retaliation but one of resilience and love. When Peter and John were flogged for preaching Christ, they left “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41). Their response was not bitterness but boldness, not vengeance but continued faithfulness.

Who Is Our Enemy?

In moments of tragedy, it is tempting to identify flesh-and-blood enemies—those who commit acts of violence, those who oppose our faith, or even those who stand on the “other side” of our political or cultural divides. But Scripture redirects our vision: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

This doesn’t excuse human actions or remove accountability for evil deeds. But it reminds us that behind every violent act is a deeper brokenness, a distortion of God’s good creation, and a spiritual enemy who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). The people we are tempted to call “enemies” are themselves captives of sin and darkness. In Christ’s eyes, they are people for whom He died.

Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount remains the clearest word for us in times like these: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44–45). This is not sentimentality; it is radical obedience.

To love our enemies means to refuse the cycle of hatred. It means choosing forgiveness over revenge, compassion over contempt, and prayer over condemnation. It means seeing even the perpetrator of violence as someone who desperately needs the grace of Christ.

Paul writes in Romans 12:17–21: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” The gospel is not about matching the world’s violence with equal force but about breaking the cycle through sacrificial love. The cross is our model—Jesus prayed for His executioners even as they nailed Him to the wood: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Responding in this way is not natural. Left to ourselves, we are quick to anger, eager for retaliation, and prone to despair. But our encouragement is found in Christ Himself. He has already borne the weight of sin and violence on the cross. He has disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15).

When we feel overwhelmed by evil in the world, we cling to the assurance that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Our hope is not in human governments, military strength, or cultural victories, but in the crucified and risen Lord who will one day make all things new.

The book of Revelation gives us a vision of that day: a multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God, where every tear is wiped away and death is no more (Revelation 7:9; 21:4). This is the horizon that gives us courage to endure and strength to love.

As followers of Christ, our response to violence must bear witness to another kingdom. When we grieve, we grieve with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). When we are wronged, we bless instead of curse. When we face hostility, we return it with the love of Christ.

This does not mean we remain silent in the face of injustice. We are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). But we act always from a place of hope, not fear; love, not hatred. The church’s credibility in a violent world does not come from its political power but from its Christlike love.

The violence of recent weeks reminds us of the fragility of life and the depth of human brokenness. But it also presses us back into the heart of the gospel: that in Christ, evil does not have the final word. Our enemy has been defeated at the cross. Our calling is to love even those who oppose us. And our hope is secure in the One who is making all things new.

So let us grieve, yes. But let us also pray. Let us stand firm in love. And let us lift our eyes to the One who has overcome the world.