Violence

<<aggression>>

From the beginning God intended people, being made ‘in the image of God’, to live in harmonious relationships. After the fall the ungodly nature of using physical force for the purpose of violating, damaging or abusing was soon evident. Cain killed his brother Abel, and society continued to deteriorate till the earth was so corrupt and full of violence [in God’s sight], that He sent the flood to put an end to it (Gen 4:8, 6:11,13). Yet this aggression soon returned to the world where power is often exercised through violence.

Before his conversion Paul used his misdirected religious zeal to violently persecute the early Christians but he came to his senses and advised people to live in harmony and walk in the way of love (Act 8:3, 9:1,2; Rom 12:16,18; Gal 1:13; Eph 5:1,2).

Anger is a very powerful emotion often resulting in violent physical behaviour. It is okay to be angry over sin and injustice (such as when Jesus used a whip in righteous indignation to drive out those who were desecrating the temple) but wrong to get angry over personal offences (Jn 2:15,16).

However, anger must be channelled in a manner that is not harmful. Use personal restraint, talking the matter through rather than resorting to outbursts of violence, or else physically remove yourself from volatile

Anger is only one letter short of danger

situations and release the emotions in strenuous activity.

Violence is an unconscious confession of weakness, inferiority and cowardice resulting from taking offence, and can easily get out of control when people don’t face up to the true state of things. It is a character trait of the wicked which can be avoided by observing God’s Word and outworking the fruit of the Spirit, such as self-control, knowing that human anger does not bring about the righteous life God requires (Ps 17:4,5, 73:6; Gal 5:22,23; Jas 1:20). Self-focused human nature often has a perverse view, with a ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude over personal sin or another’s misfortune, yet all sorts of wrong behaviours result when we are the target of another’s criticism.

Domestic violence is the act or threatened act of violence to someone who the perpetrator is or has been in intimate relationship such as a spouse or partner, with children often being victims too. In whatever form domestic abuse manifests – physical, verbal, sexual, emotional or economic – it is always about power and control with such manipulating of others causing severe psychological harm. God's desire for those involved with domestic violence – both victims and abusers – is healing and wholeness and this may require the support of a well-trained Christian counsellor throughout the journey.

In the bringing up and training of children, discipline is important, yet it is distinctly different to violence and abuse.