Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21 NKJV) During these unprecedented times, cultural attitudes and events make it easier than ever to use hate as a weapon of self-defense or to advance personal beliefs. Everyone’s nerves seem to be on edge, making us ready to strike out at anyone who disagrees with us or puts a barrier in the path to pursuing our goals. What may start out as frustration or disappointment can quickly lead to irritation and anger before growing into a frenzied and illogical hatred for “the other side” of any confrontation or issue. But in the Bible, God teaches a different response to difficulties. We are to love others as much as ourselves and to turn the other cheek when provoked or abused. Several major conflicts have shaped our awareness and sharpened our response to others who may not even be directly responsible.
COVID-19
The pandemic that began last winter, ebbed somewhat during the spring, and resurfaced over the summer has returned with a vengeance nearly a year later. Most people today have never lived through a pandemic before, so we lack experience about how to deal with the pressures of coping with this persistent crisis. Health recommendations for safety and risk factors change frequently as researchers learn more about this illness, and many of us are confused about what to do or not do when lives are on the line. Regular health screenings and treatments have been delayed, putting more people at risk for serious setbacks in their overall health. The mandate to wear masks in public, maintain social distance, and wash our hands frequently has led to angry confrontations and occasional violence. The Bible provides inspiration and guidance in passages like Titus 3:1 (NKJV): “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,….” The current rules are not particularly onerous. In complying, we can follow this principle and probably avoid stirring hatred.
Economy
Due in part to the pandemic, the US and world economy remains uncertain. For now it is relatively stable, but we don’t know what the future holds. Millions of unemployment claims have been filed, people are unable to work or have lost their jobs, and some have had their schedules cut. Unable to pay bills on time despite a government stimulus payment and the possibility of another coming in future weeks or months, people are feeling desperate. Some are angrily pointing the finger at various government officials, their employers, or each other. It is easy to blame others when no easy answers are available, but truth should always be the standard that we follow, knowing that some things cannot be easily explained. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he warns of the loss of self-control, indicating that in the End Times, people will become “…unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,….” (2 Timothy 3:3 NKJV).
Politics
This year, another major area of conflict is the November 2020 presidential election. As the candidates face off via social media and debates, the usual election rancor seems to be spiking due to the pandemic and a number of other factors. Voting procedures are being adjusted dramatically to accommodate early voting, absentee voting, and other means of casting a ballot. The political parties are continually engaged in mudslinging on hotspot issues that elicit strong emotions from both major party candidates as well as people at all levels of society. God’s Word provides guidance on the issues as well as the conduct that is expected of believers not only to honor our Creator but also to set an example for those who don’t know Him: “My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience” (James 5:10 NKJV).
Education
Stress has grown by leaps and bounds due to the pandemic’s destructive effect on education around the country. Many schools went online last spring and remain online currently. Others have reopened with new health guidelines that implement mask-wearing and social distancing. Parents who work are struggling to adapt to online learning from home in training their children through this instructional medium and finding adequate child care so they can go to work. Kids who must now learn online for the first time or who attend school under the new guidelines find themselves wandering in a strange new world of dystopian elements that can be hard to understand or accept. Levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and irritation have increased at home and in schools, leading to rising rates of domestic violence and in-school setbacks. King Solomon shares his wisdom in the Old Testament for home-based education: “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law (Proverbs 4:1-2 NKJV).
God’s Word shows us how to deal with unexpected troubles in our lives. Instead of becoming anxious and angry and hatefully blaming each other, we can instead learn to accept what we cannot control and respond in Biblical understanding, patience, and love to the circumstances that God allows into our lives for His purposes.
Dear God, Please replace the ignorance and hate in our lives with your pure love and tolerance so we can serve as effective examples and ambassadors for You. Amen.