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What Price Peace?


Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls. (Luke 11:17 b)

        Over the weekend, a Muslim terrorist murdered at least 50 people in Orlando, and another was prevented from attacking a Pride event in Los Angeles. Recently, shoppers in Tel Aviv were attacked, and a rape trial ended in a sentence that has enraged Americans. It seems as if the world is overcome with senseless violence and the solutions to it seem to be just as violent.
       The call for us to all live in harmony is by its nature reductionist. Their idea is correct. For there to be peace, we must all submit ourselves to the greater whole. The problem is that the greater wholes in question are by their nature divisive. The assumption is that no thinking person could disagree with the result (peace) and therefore not willingly pay the price by submitting to its dictates. What does one do with those who aren't willing to pay the price? Just as importantly, what does one do when the greater whole is itself divided and contradictory or the price stated turns out to be a down payment?
              Our peace is not dependent on our circumstances (John 16:33). Our peace is contingent on our love for our enemies and on praying for them (Matthew 5:44.) We are to return good for evil, even with those who hate us return evil for good (I Thes 5:15.) Saving our lives is of little value if it costs us our souls( Mark 8:34-37.)

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