How Can We Be Peaceful in a Violent World

In difficult times like those the world is currently experiencing, human beings grapple with the daily anxiety of life. Peace and tranquility are what we all long for. One speaker said, “We are healing from the pandemic, the world managed to drive it out, even though it still persists, it no longer poses the danger it once did.” He added, “But we are living through another pandemic, one that is becoming harder to heal from day by day—the pandemic of violence, which continues to grow and becomes increasingly difficult to eradicate.”

We ask ourselves what is leading people to become so violent. Second Timothy 3:2-3 gives us the answer: “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, disloyal, without natural affection, unwilling to make peace, slanderers, lacking self-control, fierce, and haters of what is good.”

The loss of natural affection, of respect for parents, teachers, grandparents, friends, and family generates violence, misunderstanding, and discouragement. This loss of natural affection has been nothing more than a response to modern times, to the way we see things, and to the acceptance of the changes the world presents.

The cause of poor upbringing, the lack of education based on human values, spirituality, love, and sincerity, has led many people to engage in harmful behaviors such as discrimination and lack of self-control. These factors have turned us into violent individuals—both victims and perpetrators—confronting each other in brutal acts, practicing social violence, sexual violence, domestic violence, psychological violence, and all other forms of violence that exist today in the frantic pursuit of money, the root cause of many of humanity’s current afflictions.

Psalm 5:6 encourages reflection: “You will destroy those who tell lies; Jehovah detests violent and deceitful people.” But we are also given a message of hope in Psalm 37:10-11: “Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; you will look at where they were, and they will not be there. But the meek will inherit the earth and enjoy abundant peace.”

The message is clear: a meek person is a peaceful person. They avoid all forms of violence, are not proud or selfish, do not become easily angered, do not hold grudges, and always stand for the truth. The meek seek Jehovah, they seek meekness, justice, genuine love, solidarity, kindness, honesty, and joyfully await the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promises and those of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Zephaniah 2:2 invites us:“Before the decree takes effect, before the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of Jehovah comes upon you, before the day of Jehovah’s anger comes upon you, seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth, who observe His righteous decrees. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you will be concealed on the day of Jehovah’s anger.”

To avoid becoming violent in a violent world, Romans 12:17–21 offers this wise counsel:“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. Do not take revenge, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah. Do not be overcome by evil, but keep overcoming evil with good.”

Therefore, it is indeed possible to live in peace in a violent world. We should avoid associating with violent people, following the guidance of Proverbs 22:24–25:“Do not associate with a man given to anger; do not keep company with a hot-tempered man, lest you learn his ways and set a trap for yourself.”

And to conclude this reflection, Ephesians 4:31–32 encourages us:“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, shouting, and abusive speech, along with all malice. Instead, be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving generously, just as God also forgave you through Christ.”

To conclude, Matthew 5:3 invites us:“Happy are those who recognize their spiritual need, happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted, happy are the meek, for they will inherit the earth, happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled, happy are the merciful, happy are the pure in heart, happy are the peacemakers, happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, happy are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Psalm 34:10“Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who seek Jehovah will lack nothing good.”

The invitation is clear: prayer has a powerful effect—promote peace in a world ruled by Satan (evil).