This weekend will go down in history as one of tumoultous violence and anger in our nation. Major cities around the United States are dealing with protests against police brutality. George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sparked violent protests across the United States. But are they justified? 

What is happening is a demonstration of late modernity’s failure to help us understand the world. Late modernity claims that man is the epitome of perfection. However, it fails to recognize human depravity. The Bible demonstrates that man is flawed from within. The problem with Officer Chauvin is not simply racism, but human depravity. Mankind is intrinsically broken. Jesus said to his disciples, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person” (Mark 7:21-23). But our culture, which is riddled with secularism, wants to make us believe the problem is not within us, but outside of us.

We must examine whether or not our anger is justified, or if it is what the Bible calls “fleshly” (Galatians 5:19-21). Yes, we should be angry. Anger against racism is justified. Anger against police brutality is also justified. However, we are wise to remember James 1:20, “for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.” Anger against injustice can be a conduit for helpful change. However, it can also lead to acts of revenge and further hatred. 

The apostle Paul was wise to write, “Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26–27). I’m disgusted, like many others, by officer Derek Chauvin’s unjustified acts of violence that led to the death of George Floyd. I believe anyone who does not condone violence, racism, and unnecessary use of force is justified in being angry. Our society needs peace and comfort and Christians must stand against all forms of hatred. We are wise to reflect about our quest for peace as we share and live out the gospel of peace.

How Should Christians Respond to Violence?

First, the church is not the answer. We are only part of the answer. Christ is the answer. He is the ultimate example of love, sacrifice, and selflesness. We are called to emulate his example to a world in pain. We must be forgiving because he forgave us. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:31, “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Our nation needs healing through forgiveness. As we share the message of the Gospel of peace, others can understand the gospel is the key to reconciliation!

Second, though the church is not the answer, our example of lovingkindness toward those who commit violence can show the world the better way. For instance, hypothetically, if Derek Chauvin were to personally ask you forgiveness for his wrong, would you forgive him? The gospel demands it. If someone destroyed your business, would you forgive them? Jesus tells us “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Derek Chauvin should be served the full justice that is due to him for his violent acts. We are all recipients of God’s grace and should freely give it to others.

Third, we must not participate in violent acts. Christians should protest against racism and injustice. But we must also do so with wisdom. We must also respect government authority and the public order (Romans 13:1–7). We are commanded by Jesus to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:43–45). Jesus encouraged his disciples to act in such a manner because he knows that even those who commit evil were created in the imago Dei (image of God), and have intrinsic value.

Fourth, we need to proclaim the gospel. The gospel is better than the individualistic narrative secularism preaches to the late-modern person. Our culture elevates what philosopher James Taylor calls the “sovereign-self.” The term is self-explanatory. Overblown individualism leads to anarchy. Anarchy is not the answer. The likes of Antifa and White Supremacists believe their narrative is the best alternative, while at the same time violently imposing their values onto others. Their narratives and actions are both wrong. We need government to help us keep order, or else the saga of the book of Judges when “everyone did what was right in their own eyes” is repeated. Sadly, however, everyone in our culture is encouraged to do whatever they wish, whenever they wish, to whomever they wish. This too leads to moral failure. Therefore, the sovereign-self is not good enough. Having a Christ-centered worldview is the key. Unconditional love, repentance, forgiveness, and compassion are the fundamental gospel elements that can help our communities heal.

Finally, we cannot pit ourselves against one another. How strange it will seem to the world when the church shows what it means to love, to dialogue, and to empathize? There is a movement toward ideological tribalism in the West. If you stand for one position versus another you are given a certain label. But labels are just another way to cause further division. We need to understand each other’s burdens. Further, we need to understand that our problem is bigger, it is about an invisible war. The recent violent protests are a visible manifestation of a larger spiritual battle being waged in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6:10–17). Racism is demonic. It is not of God. The devil will try to instigate us against one another. He is certainly stoking hatred across our nation. However, we can show those around us that Jesus’ offer of peace is freely available to all who are willing to receive it.

Practical Ways to Respond

1. Pray: For the flames of violence to be eradicated from our communities and from our heart; For wisdom for our government officials; For police brutality to end; For racism to end; and for dialogue to take precedence over violent protests.
2. Act: Peacefully protest against injustice. Find ways to help those who are marginalized and hurt by serving them. Vote for policies that enact justice. Serve in your community.
3. Speak up: When injustice is done, speak against it. Not just on social media, but in your community, within your family, and workplace. Invite others into healthy dialogue.
4. Educate: If you are a parent, teach your children to love people. To not be prejudiced. Show them how to empathize with those who are victims of racism and hatred. Teach them how the Bible’s message of love compels us to love everyone regardless of their background.
5. Speak wisely: Evaluate the words you use when speak about and to others. Are your words coated in wisdom or do they show your misguided biases? Do your words edify or tear down?

Finally, remember these words from the apostle Paul:

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 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. Do not take revenge,my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9-21

Written by Daniel Messina

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