How Should Christians Respond in an Age of Rage?

[bdavidc]

We are in an age of rage. Rage is the norm, and it’s on display across society. News media. Social media. Politics. Anger toward a person like Charlie Kirk is not merely a matter of opinion or disagreement, it tells us something important about their heart.

Jesus said it in John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil … he was a murderer from the beginning.” Scripture also says, “Wrath dwells in the heart of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). In other words, there is a spiritual root to this rage that we see around us.

The problem is that society is not only tolerating it, but actively encouraging and validating it. Psychology and self-help tells us it’s healthy. Politicians manipulate it for power. Media figures foment and fan it. James 4: 2 says what we are seeing: “You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel.”

Christians are to respond differently to this rage in culture. “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins” (Proverbs 10:12). “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another…” (Ephesians 4:32). “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean we are to ignore evil or wink at sin, it simply means we refuse to join the world in their hatred.

Forgiveness may seem like weakness to the world, but it is biblical strength. Rage and hatred are no indication of spiritual maturity. They show us that a person is acting according to the flesh. Anyone can rage. Only those in Christ can forgive, because only those in Christ have been forgiven (Matthew 6:15).

• How do Christians respond to the far left’s hateful speech that provokes others to violence? Do we just forgive? Or do we confront it?

If interested, see the blog post here.

 

[MA2444]

How do Christians respond to the far left’s hateful speech that provokes others to violence? Do we just forgive? Or do we confront it?

Online or on the street? Hateful speech on the street is dangerous. Almost invariably the one who remains calm comes out winning. Winning is no one had to be shot. They didnt force me to shoot them so I didnt. We wrestle not with mankind, only evil spirits who are oppressing all of mankind. So to shoot them would be adding to their misery of demonic oppression already present. But sometimes evil spirits can talk young minds into doing drastic actions and it is in that type case that they forced you to shoot them. But you can't do a preemptive strike, that's called assault. So he has to attack first or otherwise make his intentions known, and then you have to beat them to the draw. But only if they force you to. They have to initiate forward motion or furtive motions. Carrying a pistol for 40 years will teach a guy some things! I've never had to shoot anyone but I and my wife have had several close calls over the years and saved me & my then pregnant wife from being strong arm robbed by two big guys. Being armed gave me extra time to think. I knew I have control over a situation up to 10-15 ft? And my spidey sense kicked in and I felt the suckerpunch coming way before he launched it. So much before that he never did get to launch it! I took a step backwards and took a drawing grip on my holstered pistol...and the 2nd man was maybe 12ft away watching his buddy come get us. He looked like he fell down into the grass! The 1st guy saw I was about to draw and stepped back while raising both hands in a "we're all Friends here!" pose, and it was over. It let me stay ahead of them mentally.

That's on the street though! Online people are even more hateful in speech because they know there will be no fight.

 

[PS95]

We are in an age of rage. Rage is the norm, and it’s on display across society. News media. Social media. Politics. Anger toward a person like Charlie Kirk is not merely a matter of opinion or disagreement, it tells us something important about their heart.

Jesus said it in John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil … he was a murderer from the beginning.” Scripture also says, “Wrath dwells in the heart of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). In other words, there is a spiritual root to this rage that we see around us.

The problem is that society is not only tolerating it, but actively encouraging and validating it. Psychology and self-help tells us it’s healthy. Politicians manipulate it for power. Media figures foment and fan it. James 4: 2 says what we are seeing: “You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel.”

Christians are to respond differently to this rage in culture. “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins” (Proverbs 10:12). “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another…” (Ephesians 4:32). “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean we are to ignore evil or wink at sin, it simply means we refuse to join the world in their hatred.

Forgiveness may seem like weakness to the world, but it is biblical strength. Rage and hatred are no indication of spiritual maturity. They show us that a person is acting according to the flesh. Anyone can rage. Only those in Christ can forgive, because only those in Christ have been forgiven (Matthew 6:15).

• How do Christians respond to the far left’s hateful speech that provokes others to violence? Do we just forgive? Or do we confront it?

If interested, see the blog post here.

For the past week I've been wresting with great sadness- I watched a lot of videos of our brother Charlie and I never saw anything in him that wasn't honorable.... what an immense loss to all of us.
Then, I had intense anger at Tyler Robinson. I knew it my heart I had to let that go. -Hate the Sin- love the sinner..-
Long story short-
I watched him before the judge- suddenly, my heart changed.
He's so young and being a parent my eyes only saw at him as a parent. He truly messed up his life. He didn't only kill Charlie but himself.
Standing there in his suicide smock I felt compassion. A lost soul who may have never heard the gospel. His "lover" dimed on him- his parents are not retaining him legal counsel. (no I am not saying that's wrong) I just saw him as alone- very alone, and just a stupid young person who let the world lead him away and his lusts that burned within him led his life.
This entire thing is just so tragic.
It's an extreme example of a life without God.
I hope that we don't all clamor for the death penalty. I just hope he gets a chance to hear the gospel in prison and be forgiven.
He is a fellow human having the burden of being raised in a cult.- Mormons-

The left rejoicing at the death of Charlie does not surprise me ONE iota.
The past several years they have shown us who they are- believe them. -
They need Christ- many are rejecters of Christ- but some may not know.
Likewise we should not rejoice at the death of his killer.

So yes, I think that how we react is important. If only for the reason that they are watching to see how you react. We are called to be light and salt. Thanks for the thread Dave. Amen-

What a sad week it's been.

 

[bdavidc]

Online or on the street? Hateful speech on the street is dangerous. Almost invariably the one who remains calm comes out winning. Winning is no one had to be shot. They didnt force me to shoot them so I didnt. We wrestle not with mankind, only evil spirits who are oppressing all of mankind. So to shoot them would be adding to their misery of demonic oppression already present. But sometimes evil spirits can talk young minds into doing drastic actions and it is in that type case that they forced you to shoot them. But you can't do a preemptive strike, that's called assault. So he has to attack first or otherwise make his intentions known, and then you have to beat them to the draw. But only if they force you to. They have to initiate forward motion or furtive motions. Carrying a pistol for 40 years will teach a guy some things! I've never had to shoot anyone but I and my wife have had several close calls over the years and saved me & my then pregnant wife from being strong arm robbed by two big guys. Being armed gave me extra time to think. I knew I have control over a situation up to 10-15 ft? And my spidey sense kicked in and I felt the suckerpunch coming way before he launched it. So much before that he never did get to launch it! I took a step backwards and took a drawing grip on my holstered pistol...and the 2nd man was maybe 12ft away watching his buddy come get us. He looked like he fell down into the grass! The 1st guy saw I was about to draw and stepped back while raising both hands in a "we're all Friends here!" pose, and it was over. It let me stay ahead of them mentally.

That's on the street though! Online people are even more hateful in speech because they know there will be no fight.

I think you gave some good advice here, especially about staying calm in a dangerous situation. That makes a huge difference. I also agree with you that as Christians, we’re told to protect our families. Scripture says if a man doesn’t provide for his household, he’s worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8). That includes providing safety. At the same time, we know our real battle is spiritual, not just physical (Ephesians 6:12). That means while we may be ready to defend when forced, we also have to remember we’re called to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

So, I’d say you’re right about being cautious and not acting rashly. But I’d also add that every time we face hostility, whether online or on the street, it provides an opportunity to reflect Christ and not let hatred take root in us. I know it is hard to do, as oftentimes I fail, but I keep trying.

 

[bdavidc]

For the past week I've been wresting with great sadness- I watched a lot of videos of our brother Charlie and I never saw anything in him that wasn't honorable.... what an immense loss to all of us.
Then, I had intense anger at Tyler Robinson. I knew it my heart I had to let that go. -Hate the Sin- love the sinner..-
Long story short-
I watched him before the judge- suddenly, my heart changed.
He's so young and being a parent my eyes only saw at him as a parent. He truly messed up his life. He didn't only kill Charlie but himself.
Standing there in his suicide smock I felt compassion. A lost soul who may have never heard the gospel. His "lover" dimed on him- his parents are not retaining him legal counsel. (no I am not saying that's wrong) I just saw him as alone- very alone, and just a stupid young person who let the world lead him away and his lusts that burned within him led his life.
This entire thing is just so tragic.
It's an extreme example of a life without God.
I hope that we don't all clamor for the death penalty. I just hope he gets a chance to hear the gospel in prison and be forgiven.
He is a fellow human having the burden of being raised in a cult.- Mormons-

The left rejoicing at the death of Charlie does not surprise me ONE iota.
The past several years they have shown us who they are- believe them. -
They need Christ- many are rejecters of Christ- but some may not know.
Likewise we should not rejoice at the death of his killer.

So yes, I think that how we react is important. If only for the reason that they are watching to see how you react. We are called to be light and salt. Thanks for the thread Dave. Amen-

What a sad week it's been.

I hear your heart in this and I know you want to respond in a Christ-like way. But I don’t think the Bible calls us to feel sorry for a man who murders another person in cold blood. God is very clear that murderers are to be held responsible for their sins. Genesis 9: 6 says, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” That standard still applies, life is precious, and murder must be met with justice.

Romans 13:4 further says the government “beareth not the sword in vain” but is “the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” The death penalty is not an act of vengeance, it is God-ordained justice designed to restrain evil and protect the innocent. Many times I have seen felons granted a reprieve, only to kill again? Justice keeps them from hurting more people.

At the same time, I agree with you on one point: we don’t celebrate his demise. Ezekiel 33: 11 tells us God delights not in the death of the wicked, but desires that they turn from their ways and live. We can hold both truths at once, pursuing justice and supporting capital punishment in the case of murder, while also praying that this man might repent and hear the gospel in prison before he faces God’s ultimate justice.

We are not called to downplay sin or excuse it, but to point the light of truth and grace. A murderer deserves justice, but even a murderer can be forgiven if he truly repents and believes on Christ. Until then, we don’t owe him sympathy, we owe God our agreement with His Word. God does not want us to just stand by and let people murder innocent people when they just don’t like them.

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17 Failing to act when we know what’s right is counted as sin before God.

"That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee… Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee." God warns that if His people allow murder to go unpunished, they themselves bear guilt.

 

[PS95]

I hear your heart in this and I know you want to respond in a Christ-like way. But I don’t think the Bible calls us to feel sorry for a man who murders another person in cold blood. God is very clear that murderers are to be held responsible for their sins. Genesis 9: 6 says, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” That standard still applies, life is precious, and murder must be met with justice.

Romans 13:4 further says the government “beareth not the sword in vain” but is “the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” The death penalty is not an act of vengeance, it is God-ordained justice designed to restrain evil and protect the innocent. Many times I have seen felons granted a reprieve, only to kill again? Justice keeps them from hurting more people.

At the same time, I agree with you on one point: we don’t celebrate his demise. Ezekiel 33: 11 tells us God delights not in the death of the wicked, but desires that they turn from their ways and live. We can hold both truths at once, pursuing justice and supporting capital punishment in the case of murder, while also praying that this man might repent and hear the gospel in prison before he faces God’s ultimate justice.

We are not called to downplay sin or excuse it, but to point the light of truth and grace. A murderer deserves justice, but even a murderer can be forgiven if he truly repents and believes on Christ. Until then, we don’t owe him sympathy, we owe God our agreement with His Word. God does not want us to just stand by and let people murder innocent people when they just don’t like them.

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17 Failing to act when we know what’s right is counted as sin before God.

"That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee… Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee." God warns that if His people allow murder to go unpunished, they themselves bear guilt.

I understand your view.
Jesus prayed for those who murdered Him to be forgiven.
Murder can be forgiven. Moses- David-
I know full well that people will disagree on this and that's ok.
I can't deny my heart. it's not sympathy. It's compassion.
If I messed up that bad I would want someone to reach out to me.
Love your neighbor- treat others the way you want to be treated doesn't die because he sinned.
Don't get me wrong- I still hate what he did with a passion and many tears.- but hate him? I don't.
if he gets the death penalty I accept that but I wont rejoice or feel that anything real was accomplished other than another person died.
I honestly don't think Charlie would want the death penalty. Could be wrong.
He was about love and also very pro- free speech.

 

[marks]

Jesus prayed for those who murdered Him to be forgiven.
Murder can be forgiven. Moses- David-
I know full well that people will disagree on this and that's ok.
I can't deny my heart. it's not sympathy. It's compassion.
If I messed up that bad I would want someone to reach out to me.

I've been praying for his salvation. Everybody needs Jesus!

Much love!

 

[ShineTheLight]

I have these scriptures. I present these passages.

Psalm 37:8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Proverbs 14:16
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

James 1:19-20
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Colossians 3:8
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

 

[Rockerduck]

Most Mormons are conservative and read the bible in the mornings and evenings. They Just don't know Christ but know the morals of the bible. So the shooter heard and read many bible verses. I had a Mormon friend for a long time.

 

[bdavidc]

Jesus prayed for those who murdered Him to be forgiven.
Murder can be forgiven. Moses- David-
I know full well that people will disagree on this and that's ok.
I can't deny my heart. it's not sympathy. It's compassion.
If I messed up that bad I would want someone to reach out to me.
Love your neighbor- treat others the way you want to be treated doesn't die because he sinned.
Don't get me wrong- I still hate what he did with a passion and many tears.- but hate him? I don't.
if he gets the death penalty I accept that but I wont rejoice or feel that anything real was accomplished other than another person died.

I don’t know where you got your thoughts that I said the things you are saying. I never said murder cannot be forgiven. I said, “also praying that this man might repent and hear the gospel in prison before he faces God’s ultimate justice.” Means I believe even a murderer can be forgiven if he repents and turns to Christ. Scripture is clear on this. Paul was a persecutor and in on the death of Christians. God forgave him when he repented and believed (1 Timothy 1:13-16). David did adultery and murder. When he confessed and repented, God forgave him (2 Samuel 12:13).

At the same time, God’s forgiveness doesn’t nullify earthly justice. Gen 9: 6 and Rom 13:4, murder requires accountability and the government is God’s agent to do that. The death penalty is a strong warning to others: if you take a life, you’ll pay with your own. It stops many from even thinking about murder. The thief on the cross repented and Jesus forgave him. But the thief still had to die on that cross for what he did (Luke 23:40-43). That’s the tension: justice must be done here on earth. But mercy is also offered through Christ for eternity.

As for treating others the way I would want to be treated, if I go and murder an innocent person for saying something I disagree with, then yes, give me the death penalty.

 

[MA2444]

I think you gave some good advice here, especially about staying calm in a dangerous situation. That makes a huge difference. I also agree with you that as Christians, we’re told to protect our families. Scripture says if a man doesn’t provide for his household, he’s worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8). That includes providing safety. At the same time, we know our real battle is spiritual, not just physical (Ephesians 6:12). That means while we may be ready to defend when forced, we also have to remember we’re called to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

So, I’d say you’re right about being cautious and not acting rashly. But I’d also add that every time we face hostility, whether online or on the street, it provides an opportunity to reflect Christ and not let hatred take root in us. I know it is hard to do, as oftentimes I fail, but I keep trying.

I've had a person or two say to me, why do you carry a pistol if you have faith in God? The answer is simple, a pistol is for when there is no time to pray. Jesus said we should have a sword or two. He had them building and repairing the Jerusalem wall while armed. God made them fight a lot back then, so same thing now.

I used to pray to be able to get off this earth without ever having to shoot or kill anyone. And I still don't want to, but when people get enraged they are capable of anything at a moments notice.

You know what I think sucks? It's good that the nation's people are armed to the teeth, but do you know how popular the small compact guns are. They have a zillion of them in all flavors and sizes. But a teeny pistol os very hard to shoot well. If I knew that I was going to be in a gunfight, I would want a big pistol! Big pistols are bigger and weigh more but so what when it comes time to shoot it, you have something large enough to get a good grip on and shoot very well and easily!!

The only reason anyone ever fights with a pistol is to get back to the Rifle that they should not have laid down in the first place...!

 

[PS95]

Most Mormons are conservative and read the bible in the mornings and evenings. They Just don't know Christ but know the morals of the bible. So the shooter heard and read many bible verses. I had a Mormon friend for a long time.

I was raised reading the bible too. When you don't know Christ- but you have religion-all you have is a set of rules. I was told to love God but I didn't know how to- other than try to do what I was told. I didn't know that Jesus' death paid for my sins.-- JWs don't teach that- death is how sins are paid for. My very reason for not being baptized as a JW turned out to be exactly what Jws hide the most. People assume that JWs teach that Jesus' death paid our sin debt- due to doublespeak and word games- but they DO NOT.

When I finally learned why Jesus really died-- I fell in love with Him and now I wanted to obey Him-- enormous difference!!
So, I can't say what Mormons really teach since cults have their own lingo and use deception.

My point is sure he knew it was wrong- morally and he knew that his lifestyle was immoral- and that could be at the very root of it all. He, likely despised God for it. But did he ever know that Jesus died for his sins? --Idk that answer Clearly, his heart has not been circumcised.-

Does God regenerate the reprobate? This guy seems to fit Ro 1, doesn't he?
Some say that word means, predestined to damnation. Idk
I think as long as he has breath in him there is a chance.
But I don't know everything.

 

[PS95]

I don’t know where you got your thoughts that I said the things you are saying. I never said murder cannot be forgiven. I said, “also praying that this man might repent and hear the gospel in prison before he faces God’s ultimate justice.” Means I believe even a murderer can be forgiven if he repents and turns to Christ. Scripture is clear on this. Paul was a persecutor and in on the death of Christians. God forgave him when he repented and believed (1 Timothy 1:13-16). David did adultery and murder. When he confessed and repented, God forgave him (2 Samuel 12:13).

At the same time, God’s forgiveness doesn’t nullify earthly justice. Gen 9: 6 and Rom 13:4, murder requires accountability and the government is God’s agent to do that. The death penalty is a strong warning to others: if you take a life, you’ll pay with your own. It stops many from even thinking about murder. The thief on the cross repented and Jesus forgave him. But the thief still had to die on that cross for what he did (Luke 23:40-43). That’s the tension: justice must be done here on earth. But mercy is also offered through Christ for eternity.

As for treating others the way I would want to be treated, if I go and murder an innocent person for saying something I disagree with, then yes, give me the death penalty.

Ahh Dave- I was just speaking from my heart as a parent- that's all. My heart broke realizing he has parents who were likely watching and how they must feel- can you imagine?- and I though of my own son and broke down.
The authorities had the right to take his life while he was a threat to others for sure.
Now , In jail I would prefer that he has time to hear the gospel and be saved.
That's all I'm saying. I don't disrespect how others feel on this.
It's a gray area for me once a person is captured.

I agree that we aren't tough enough on crime.- and that only ignites more--- by "we" I mean the sickening left.

 

[GodsGrace]

We are in an age of rage. Rage is the norm, and it’s on display across society. News media. Social media. Politics. Anger toward a person like Charlie Kirk is not merely a matter of opinion or disagreement, it tells us something important about their heart.

Jesus said it in John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil … he was a murderer from the beginning.” Scripture also says, “Wrath dwells in the heart of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). In other words, there is a spiritual root to this rage that we see around us.

The problem is that society is not only tolerating it, but actively encouraging and validating it. Psychology and self-help tells us it’s healthy. Politicians manipulate it for power. Media figures foment and fan it. James 4: 2 says what we are seeing: “You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel.”

Christians are to respond differently to this rage in culture. “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins” (Proverbs 10:12). “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another…” (Ephesians 4:32). “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean we are to ignore evil or wink at sin, it simply means we refuse to join the world in their hatred.

Forgiveness may seem like weakness to the world, but it is biblical strength. Rage and hatred are no indication of spiritual maturity. They show us that a person is acting according to the flesh. Anyone can rage. Only those in Christ can forgive, because only those in Christ have been forgiven (Matthew 6:15).

• How do Christians respond to the far left’s hateful speech that provokes others to violence? Do we just forgive? Or do we confront it?

If interested, see the blog post here.

This is just my opinion of course...not sure what it's based on - maybe history.
We're so far over the edge I don't think there's any coming back and the future is too dark for me to see.

Just forgive?
No.

I don't believe we're to forgive evil.

Confront it?
Yes.

But how?
Violence begets violence.


A black man was killed and the country went crazy with BLM.
A white man is killed and there are prayer vigils.

The left has a different way of handling their grief than the right does.
This is a huge problem and will continue to impact our society.

It's the same here.
The left is really hateful toward the right.

I don't understand why,,,except that those that were SUPPOSED to be the one with the "open mind" have turned out to be totally
CLOSED minded.

Just some thoughts.

 

[bdavidc]

This is just my opinion of course...not sure what it's based on - maybe history.
We're so far over the edge I don't think there's any coming back and the future is too dark for me to see.

Just forgive?
No.

I don't believe we're to forgive evil.

Confront it?
Yes.

But how?
Violence begets violence.


A black man was killed and the country went crazy with BLM.
A white man is killed and there are prayer vigils.

The left has a different way of handling their grief than the right does.
This is a huge problem and will continue to impact our society.

It's the same here.
The left is really hateful toward the right.

I don't understand why,,,except that those that were SUPPOSED to be the one with the "open mind" have turned out to be totally
CLOSED minded.

Just some thoughts.

I think this is a much-needed discussion.
You’re right that violence only begets violence, and that is precisely why Christians are called to a different way of responding than the world. The Bible is very clear on this: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Forgiveness is not turning a blind eye to sin or pretending that evil is good, but it is refusing to retaliate in the flesh. Jesus was plain on this when He said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). That command is not optional, it’s one of the hallmarks of those who belong to Him.

We are not told to forgive evil, but we are told to forgive those who sin against us, because God has forgiven us in Christ (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:14-15). If we nurse bitterness or rage in our hearts, we are no different than the world around us. At the same time, we are not called to passively ignore evil, but to confront it with truth. Paul told Timothy to “reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6: 12), so the confrontation with the enemy is not with fleshly weapons but with the Word of God and the power of the gospel.

The division and hatred you mentioned, political or racial or cultural, only bears out what Jesus already said: “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). That’s what we’re seeing unfold before our eyes. The world will rage, but believers are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14). We confront evil by refusing to join it in its methods and by speaking God’s truth boldly in love. Forgiveness and truth are not opposites, they’re both weapons God has given to His people to stand firm in an age of rage.

The above is about the heart posture of believers, don’t let evil drag you into bitterness, retaliation, or hatred. But it doesn’t erase the biblical responsibility to protect the innocent. Forgiveness and defense are not opposites. You can forgive someone for hating you and still lawfully stop them from murdering your family and citizens. That’s how the two truths fit together: spiritual strength with practical defense.

This video will give us a perspective on where we are now. I do believe we need to do something.

Rep. Greene calls for 'national divorce' from liberals: 'They want us dead'

 

[Dan Clarkston]

This video will give us a perspective on where we are now. I do believe we need to do something.

Reckon all the liberals should be rounded up and put in detention camps?

Are you far having a civil war?

All this rage stuff is demonic and will only get worse until Jesus returns and cleans house:

2 Thessalonians 1:7
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

 

[ScottA]

We are in an age of rage. Rage is the norm, and it’s on display across society. News media. Social media. Politics. Anger toward a person like Charlie Kirk is not merely a matter of opinion or disagreement, it tells us something important about their heart.

Jesus said it in John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil … he was a murderer from the beginning.” Scripture also says, “Wrath dwells in the heart of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). In other words, there is a spiritual root to this rage that we see around us.

The problem is that society is not only tolerating it, but actively encouraging and validating it. Psychology and self-help tells us it’s healthy. Politicians manipulate it for power. Media figures foment and fan it. James 4: 2 says what we are seeing: “You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel.”

Christians are to respond differently to this rage in culture. “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins” (Proverbs 10:12). “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another…” (Ephesians 4:32). “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean we are to ignore evil or wink at sin, it simply means we refuse to join the world in their hatred.

Forgiveness may seem like weakness to the world, but it is biblical strength. Rage and hatred are no indication of spiritual maturity. They show us that a person is acting according to the flesh. Anyone can rage. Only those in Christ can forgive, because only those in Christ have been forgiven (Matthew 6:15).

• How do Christians respond to the far left’s hateful speech that provokes others to violence? Do we just forgive? Or do we confront it?

If interested, see the blog post here.

Ready yourself, and be ready. Stand for the Lord is with you. Rest and wait. Pray.

 

[pandaflower]

Do?

Read the Old Testament again.All of it. And then the Book of John's Revelations.

We are made in the image and likeness of an angry God.
And all other of our emotions are God's first.

 

[Dan Clarkston]

We are made in the image and likeness of an angry God.
And all other of our emotions are God's first.

So you are saying it's OK to go do violence in the name of the Lord to inflict His anger upon others?

 

[PS95]

Reckon all the liberals should be rounded up and put in detention camps?

Are you far having a civil war?

All this rage stuff is demonic and will only get worse until Jesus returns and cleans house:

2 Thessalonians 1:7
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

A civil war is what they want.
IF there was a way to peacefully separate and divide the country into 2 parts I would be fine with that, since I see no way to reconcile- but I don't think it's possible to do that peacefully. They need to accept Christ and the only way for them to hear the gospel is by us living amongst them- it will likely get bloodier on their part - and that has to be ok with us.