And, I understand anger and its effect on people. I feel anger!
Yet to express anger by committing additional acts of violence is not a suitable means of expression. Yes, I’ve been angry enough to commit acts that are sinful. But, it doesn’t work; it just adds fuel to the fire. It accelerates he violence.
As I write this, Columbus has just declared a state of emergency in downtown. What started out to be a protest march, peaceful, has turned into a riotous situation. Some of the people have resorted to violent acts,m and the police in response have also changed their tactics in such a way as to cause more violence. It is a nasty cycle that only ends in death and destruction. Somewhere it needs to stop.
Praying!
Some quotes:
Jacki Belile The implementation of violence as a means of control only creates rebellion, revenge and hatred. Throughout history from the first century to today we have seen the failure of violence and force to maintain peace. Systems that rely on violence and hierchary require training that desensitizes you to the other person’s humanity. It allows you to kill, because it is based on identifying another human being as your enemy. Add to that deadly system racism and social bias. Then you have what we are witnessing in America today on a daily basis. When will we embrace and understand that love and human dignity are the greatest force for good in this world?
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
