A movie set in the 1950’s reminded me that mistrust and divisions between race, political parties, and classes are not new. They are woven into human DNA. Hatred stems from Adam’s first decision to disobey God, which resulted in the murder of his second son. Abel’s innocence did not protect him from Cain’s rage, and the same is true today. Hatred justifies its murderous rage, but God does not. He still condemns evil, no matter how men try to spin it. God never justifies sin in any form, though He did send His own Son to die in sinful men’s place.
Like Abel, Jesus’ innocence did not protect Him from the murderous rage of evil men. Unlike Abel, however, Jesus’s innocence was perfect because He was God. His death was the only thing that could bridge the gap between the Creator and His creation, offering the peace with God every soul needs. Romans 10:11-13 records the need of every race to call on Jesus for salvation from the eternal destruction sin causes.
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
For those who place their faith in Jesus, His perfect peace resides within them. Perfect peace is defined by Webster in his 1828 dictionary as “freedom from agitation or disturbance by the passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety or the like; quietness of mind; tranquillity; calmness; quiet of conscience.” Isaiah 26:3-4 prescribes this perfect peace to those who keep their minds stayed on the Lord, trusting Him with all the details of their lives.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.
Trust ye in the Lord for ever:
for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
For he bringeth down them that dwell on high;
the lofty city, he layeth it low;
he layeth it low, even to the ground;
he bringeth it even to the dust. Isaiah 26:3-5
For those trying to gain peace in this world with murder, rage, and destruction, their efforts cannot bring anything good. The law of sowing and reaping determines that evil grows more evil, division brings more division, and hatred always results in murder. The only way to grow peace is to trust God to bring His peace to the hearts of men. One life at a time, investing love where hate grows, showing kindness to those who stand in opposition, praying for the enemy: this is the way God grows peace from the roots.
It is time to stop labeling the enemy “the left” or “the right.” It is time to label the enemy for who he is: Satan, the father of lies and murder. It is time to be kind to those who hate you. It is time to follow Jesus by taking up the cross of shame. It is time to hold to the truth by living it out, not just proclaiming it on Facebook. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, shovel a neighbor’s driveway, invest in a pregnancy center, call your family member who hates your Biblical stance to tell them you love them, and above all, share the hope of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, with those who have no peace. Jesus is the only hope for true peace.
His Song in the Night 