THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/VIOLENCE

CAN VIOLENT PEOPLE CHANGE?

WHAT PEOPLE SAY  Violence is simply a reflection of human nature, which does not change. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS  "Put away "wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk." It also says:  "Strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe yourselves with the new personality."  ( Colossians 3:8, 10) Is God asking too much of us? No. People can change? How? 

The first step is gaining an accurate knowledge of God.  (Colossians 3:10)  When a person with a receptive heart learns about our Creator's appealing qualities and standards, he is drawn to God in love and wants to please him. -1 John 5:3. 

The second step is related to our choice  of associates.  "Do not keep company with a hot-tempered man or get involved with one disposed to rage, so that you never learn his ways and ensnare yourself." -Proverbs 22:24, 25. 

The third step involves insight. See the inclination toward violence for what it is-a serious weakness that reflects  a lack of self-control. The peaceable, by comparison, have inner strength.  "The one slow to anger is better than a mighty man," says Proverbs 16:32. 

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/VIOLENCE - Will violence ever end? 

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015