Breaking the Spiral of Violence

Breaking the Spiral of Violence: Jesus' Way of PeaceIn a world where violence seems inevitable and retaliation feels justified, Jesus offers a radically different approach to addressing evil and injustice. While empires throughout history have claimed that peace comes through force and war, Christ's example challenges us to consider a more transformative path.The Historical Context of War and PeaceDuring World War II, the Church of the Brethren faced difficult decisions about military service. While 80% of young Brethren men served in combat roles, 10% chose non-combatant military roles, and another 10% opted for civil public service. Since then, many have served in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and Afghanistan.These choices were made thoughtfully, with courage and conviction. They involved sacrifice during difficult times. This isn't about condemning those decisions but about seeking Jesus' way for our time.What Did Jesus Teach About Violence?Jesus offered a better way to address evil that counters our natural instincts. When he said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," he wasn't talking about peace wishers but peace makers.He authoritatively broke the old cycles of payback. While governments have told us the only path to peace is through war, Jesus demonstrated another way—one that is costly, creative, brave, and above all, self-sacrificing.How Does Jesus Turn Retaliation into Reconciliation?Theologian Eugene Boring explains: "Violence is self-destructive and futile, resulting only in a vicious spiral of violence. The way of the kingdom of God is to absorb evil rather than inflict it, and bring the spiral finally to an end."We see this clearly in Gethsemane. When a disciple draws a sword and cuts off an ear, Jesus stops the spiral, saying, "Put the sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword."Can We Imagine a World Without War?Isaiah proclaimed a prophetic imagination: "They shall beat their swords into plowshares. Neither shall they learn war anymore."On farms, steel works soil. A no-till plow gently opens the ground so seeds can grow. Imagine if our anger could be forged into tools that feed rather than create famine.The Brethren family has stated plainly: "We cannot imagine Jesus targeting a missile to destroy those for whom he died." And we bear his name.Doesn't War Sometimes Bring Peace?Every war claims to be the war that ends all wars. Yet history shows that war breeds more war, and contempt breeds more contempt. Only love stops the spiral.Peacemaking love isn't passive—it shelters the vulnerable and tells the truth. It refuses to dehumanize and demonize others.How Can We Practice Peacemaking in Daily Life?Peacemaking can be practiced in everyday situations:* Seek first to understand* Listen fully* Apologize sincerely* Make it rightThis approach works in workplaces, homes, and schools. We can disagree without contempt and correct without shaming. For students, peacemaking can be as simple as making room at the lunch table for those who feel lonely.Romans 12:18 reminds us: "If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peacefully with all." With Christ's power and presence in our lives, this becomes possible.Does Jesus' Peace Approach Actually Work?Refusing the sword didn't stop death from coming for Jesus, but it did stop death from winning. It stopped the spiral of violence.This is our calling as followers of Christ: to refuse the wars of words and grudges, of consumption and control. Instead, we pursue the costly peace of Christ, breaking the spiral with love.Life ApplicationThis week, commit to practicing Jesus' way of peace in your daily interactions:* When conflicts arise, seek first to understand before responding.* Listen fully to others, especially those with whom you disagree.* When you're wrong, apologize sincerely without excuses.* Take concrete steps to make things right and restore relationships.* Go the extra mile that Jesus invites us to go.Ask yourself these questions:* Where in my life am I participating in cycles of retaliation rather than reconciliation?* How might I "beat my swords into plowshares" in my relationships this week?* What would it look like for me to absorb evil rather than inflict it in a specific situation I'm facing?* Am I willing to pay the cost of Christ-like peacemaking, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfair?The path of peace isn't easy, but it's the way of Jesus. By his power, we can break the spiral of violence and create spaces where God's shalom can flourish. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe