INTRODUCTION

When asked about the requirements for baptism, John the Baptist gave several suggestions, including, "Do violence to no man." It can and has been argued whether John was truly giving requirements or attempting to show the wickedness of those seeking his baptism, but the truth remains that John righteously admonished the people to cease from violence. Though the Lord obviously made exceptions in times of war or in the exacting of righteous judgment, as a rule, God calls the righteous to live peaceably with others and avoid violence (Romans 12:18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
See All...). Not only that, but the Lord also warns against finding pleasure in those who do such things (Romans 1:29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
See All..., 32).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Out of jealousy, Saul tried to kill David. When David could have killed Saul, he did not, but tried to make peace (1 Samuel 24:8-12 [8] David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. [9] And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? [10] Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD's anointed. [11] Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. [12] The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
  See All...; 16-18; 1 Samuel 26:7-11 [7] So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him. [8] Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. [9] And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless? [10] David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. [11] The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD's anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
  See All..., 15-21). The Lord is not for violence (Jeremiah 22:3Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.
  See All...) but for peace (Psalm 34:14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
  See All...; Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
  See All...).
• How do you handle conflict? Do you resort to violence? Do you lift your hand in violence in order to resolve your problems, or do you know how to make peace with words?
• What are some times when violence is within the boundaries of righteousness? Why is it important to be able to distinguish between these times and unrighteous acts of violence?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you resolve problems without violence.
• Ask God to give you a compassion for others.

HYMN

Have Thine Own Way, Lord!

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