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The Scriptures declare that in the last days there will be conflict on every side. Indeed, the news is saturated with reports of heated conflict on almost every issue — politics, global warming, racism, how to handle Covid-19. Considering that our best witness is often our personal deportment, how should we as Christians react to these conflicts which we see on every side?
Considering What God Counsels
If we are God’s, then we should be learning and developing noble Christian characters built upon principles which exemplify the commandments given to us by Jesus: "...I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven..." Matthew 5:48
The world in general knows not God, but we as Christians should know Him — what God loves and what He hates. The Scriptural equation is simple . . .
WHAT GOD LOVES:
"...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." 2 Peter 1:5-7
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22, 23
WHAT GOD HATES:
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Proverbs 6:16-19
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings... they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.... Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." Galatians 5:19-21, 26
How Should Christians React to the Conflicts of the World?
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds…” (2 Corinthians 10:4) Carnal weapons are not merely swords, spears and guns, but anger, malice, hatred, strife, and a contesting, combative spirit. This is the spirit of the world under the "god of this world." (2 Corinthians 4:4) We are to take up the banner of truth and to learn just what that truth is. (2 Timothy 2:15) But while holding the banner high, we are to exemplify the character of whose banner that is — Jehovah's honored Son Jesus.
Jesus said, “I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life.” In dramatic contrast, Satan is identified as “the father of LIES.” (John 14:6 and John 8:44) Therefore, any conflict we have with others or the heated issues of our day should be met with the weapon of truth and the spirit of it — what God loves, and not what God hates — lies, evil speaking and sowing discord.
"Recompense to no man evil for evil... as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." — Romans 12:17, 18
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness..." — 2 Peter 3:11
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." — Proverbs 15:1
Considering that our primary warfare is against the evil within our own selves — sin, error and selfishness — learn more about the subject of Christian Character Development and the real Foes which constantly challenge this.
Please read the following excellent study on this subject taken from the book
"THE CALL OF THE NEW CREATION."
The Foes and Besetments of the New Creation
For more enlightening discussion on the distinguishing features of our times,
please read the following short articles:
Light Now Shining Exposes Deeds of Darkness