John 18:10 ( ESV)Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it & struck the high priest ‘s servant & cut off his right ear. (The servant ‘s name was Malchus.) Luke 22:51 Jesus said, “No more of this!” & He touched his ear & healed him. Matt 26:52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. — There is so much violence in our country. What happened to the ability to disagree? What happened to a willingness to come to a negotiated agreement? The saying goes that Violence begets violence! A person who lives violently will probably at some point be killed in a violent manner. Violence begets violence. Those who practice violence will come to violent ends. — Jesus tells us in Matt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Rom 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with ALL men. Rom 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace & for mutual upbuilding. — Life is a mutual journey! There is really no place for —Gal 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, & things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.— The choice is ours! Keep your eyes on the prize (His kingdom)! Love Mel
