How Should Jesus-Followers Respond to Violence, Hatred, Political Division, and Evil?
- Paul Willis
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
It's a deeply important question. Followers of Jesus today are navigating painful realities—like shootings, stabbings, and political crises—where fear, anger, and division dominate.
The New Testament gives us a framework for how to live in such times. Remember, people living in New Testament times saw a LOT of death, hatred, and political division. They were speaking from first-hand experience. Let's look at the guidance they give us:
1. Resist fear with love
Jesus said: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28).
Violence is designed to stir fear and division. The Christian response is to choose courageous love over reactionary fear.
There is a big difference between being aware/informed and absorbed. If we aren't careful, we can allow ourselves to be absorbed in the crises. This can "overwhelm" our ability to be patient, kind, thoughtful, and full of compassion. When absorbed, we tend to be reactionary rather than prayerfully responsive.
2. Grieve and show compassion
Speaking of compassion, Romans 12:15 says, “Mourn with those who mourn.” Compassion is not inactivity; it is a ministry of presence. Being with someone in difficult circumstances is powerful. Listen to them, cry with them, understand them, all while resisting the need to provide immediate solutions.
Jesus himself wept over Jerusalem’s violence (Luke 19:41). Followers of Jesus should stand with victims, families, and communities in their grief rather than rushing to political arguments.
3. Be peacemakers, not partisans
Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
It’s easy to pick a political “side” after violence. But Jesus followers are called to model reconciliation, refusing to fuel hostility or demonization. Our loyalty is to Christ’s kingdom, not to party platforms.
Be Kingdom Agents - signs and foretastes of the Kingdom of Heaven now, in the midst of the chaos.
4. Reject vengeance, pursue justice
Romans 12:19: “Do not take revenge…leave room for God’s wrath.”
Violence often sparks calls for retaliation. Christians should instead pursue restorative justice that seeks truth, accountability, and healing, rather than cycles of revenge.
5. Pray and act with hope
Never say, "Let's get past prayer, so we can take action." Prayer is action. Prayer is powerful. Prayer changes things!
1 Timothy 2:1–2 calls believers to pray for leaders “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness.”
Prayer doesn’t mean passivity. Jesus followers can support initiatives that reduce violence, advocate for peace and safety in their communities, and offer tangible help to those affected.
6. Be a counterculture of peace
In a culture of outrage, Jesus followers should model gentleness and kindness.
Speak words that heal, not inflame.
Create spaces of safety and community.
Live in such a way that others glimpse the “shalom” of God’s kingdom.
Jesus-followers shape the culture, not the other way around. Be strong and courageous. In the midst of turmoil, be a steady hope; where there is violence, bring peace; where there is hatred, love your enemies; where there is evil, cast it out; where there is division, be compassion and seek justice.
Followers of Jesus respond not with fear, hatred, or partisan shouting, but with compassion, peacemaking, truth-telling, and courageous love. We grieve with the hurting, resist division, and embody the hope that God’s kingdom is breaking into the darkness.
Be a Kingdom Agent!
Pastor Paul
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