One of my friends reflecting on the ethnic strife in Sri Lanka posted a question on a Social Networking site, “Does God permit War?”
As I was reflecting on this question, I asked myself, “Are wars God made or man made?” Man has an instinct to create chaos and attribute the blame on God. This started in the Garden of Eden. The accusation goes like this “The woman YOU(meaning God) put in here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate” (Gen 3:12) Whether we listen to our Heavenly Father or not, we strictly follow our forefather Adam. We continue to blame God for everything that we are responsible for.
Now why do wars occur?
Reasons may be many, but revolve around one “Lack of Love”
Oh! that each person would understand the meaning of the word LOVE. This is the key to counter the ravages of hatred, war and vengeance that we see all around us. No dictionary can give a better understanding of the word ‘Love’ than 1 Corinthians 13. You may believe that you are the most spiritual person on earth; you may move mountains; fathom great mysteries and speak the language of angels but hey stop there….if you do not profess Love, you are just a ‘chingu cha’- clanging cymbal. (Verses 1-3)
Solution: Unconditional Love.
If the solution to this issue is so simple why don’t people follow suit? Firstly they don’t try and even if they did, they fail because this cannot be done with one’s own strength. This is where the atheists/ realists fall back. Goodness without Godliness will not help. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts. Giving without expecting anything in return is the key to love. That’s exactly what Christ did on the cross. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom 5:8. We have always taken this love for granted, not realizing its value till we are deprived of it. It is when God steps back and lets us take our decisions - waging war against ourselves, we stop to question if God exists and accuse Him of being a silent spectator.
Is more to come?
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Mt 24:6
When will this end?
And He will judge between many peoples and render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they train for war. Micah 4:3
The Day is not far off. Amen Come Lord Jesus. Rev 22:20
