“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (MAYBE NOT) – Matthew 5:38-39

When we are wronged, often our first reaction is to get even.  Instead Jesus said we should do good to those who wrong us.  Our desire should not be to keep score, but to love and forgive.  Now, this is not natural… but God can give us the strength to love as he does.  Instead of praying for vengeance, pray for those who hurt you.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. – Matthew 5:21-22 ESV

Killing is a terrible sin, but anger is a great sin also because is violates God’s command to love.  Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooding bitterness against someone.  It is a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control.  This is the anger that gets the best of people and caues arguments and disagreements to end up very badly.  Our prayer should be that the people in our communities will be able to have self-control in whatever situation that they come into so that they don’t escalate situations to violence.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”- Romans 12:17-18 NIV

This verse is telling us not to repay someone wrong when you have been wronged.  It only starts a cycle that causes more people to be hurt and for violence to continue. This verse summarizes Christian living.  If we love someone the way that Christ loves us, we should be willing to forgive.  We will pray at the end of this episode that our friends in school or community or our family will strive to live at peace with everyone.

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. – 1 Peter 3:9 ESV

In our fallen world, it’s often deemed acceptable by some to tear down people verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt. In Gods kingdom, revenge is unacceptable behavior.  Pray that people will not tear down each other verbally and rise above the temptation to respond in this way. This verse says that there is a blessing when you can do this.

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. – Colossians 3:19 ESV

Paul was speaking to husbands on how they should treat their wives.  He was encouraging them to love them and not to be harsh with them.   Domestic violence can take on different forms but it is not right in any form.  From time to time there will be difference in opinions or disagreements in relationships, but we will pray that men and women will love each other and exercise self-control and wisdom if things get too heated.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. –  James 1:19-20 ESV

This is how we should approach situations where there is a potential for a fight or violence.  Often times there is some misunderstanding.  If people can honestly approach the situation and listen to gain understanding and not just to give their opinion on how they think the situation should be there will be less arguments and fighting in society. 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10 NIV

It’s the devils agenda to steal kill and destroy everything that is good and born out of the love of God.  This is why some of our communities, schools and families are plagued with violence and why some of these situations end up bloody or worse.  As Christians, it’s our duty to walk in love of Christ.  As we do this, we become vessels that Jesus can work through to carry His message of abundant life to others around us.

Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. – Isaiah 60:18 ESV

This is a verse from Isaiah and it has prophetic applications in our days today.  We can pray and declare over our schools and communities that violence has to stop.  That the devastation and destruction of lives must cease.  We need to declare that our communities will be a place where people will see salvation and give God praise.