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Love and War
The question, “Why is the world so evil?” has challenged us all at one point or another. War snaps this question into laser-sharp focus. Talking about war from a safe distance is one thing. Talking to those whose home is no longer a part of their country is another. Discussing the politics of the war gives no comfort as people bow on the street in honor and prayer as yet another funeral procession passes.
People look for peace, prosperity, and meaning in this life, but such things never last in this world. The kings of this age will not bring us lasting peace. But there is a king who has and will.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart;
I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33[ESV]
Love and war, tribulation and peace seem impossible to reconcile. But Jesus tells us that in this age — in this world, we will have both — in Him. The kingdom of God has begun but is not yet fully realized. We are in His new kingdom, so we know its peace, at least in part. Yet, the world around us is still governed by ancient evil principles. The seeds of evil produce only evil. It’s simply the nature of things. However, Jesus tells us that the kingdom is also a seed. It may be a tiny seed, but it will grow into a large plant.
All things were made through him,
and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life,
and the life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:3-5[ESV]
There is a lot of darkness in this world, but darkness can not overcome the light. The love of Jesus was abused, and this world attempted to extinguish it altogether. But the darkness neither understands nor can it destroy the light. The more love is abused, the brighter it shines, by contrast.
Love is — benefiting others at my expense.
Love can be resisted and ignored, but it cannot be destroyed. It can only be glorified.
War brings both evil and love into sharp contrast. While I see a lot of evil, I am not depressed because I have seen so much love rise in the face of it. I am watching people choose to put themselves in harm’s way to love those who are suffering. Love and war are opposites, but love is stronger than war. Wars end, love never ends. Kingdoms rise and fall, but the kingdom of God endures forever.
Jesus is our light and the source of our hope.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12[ESV]
But in Matthew, Jesus talked about the light of the world in a very different way.
“You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on a stand,
and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matt 5:14-16[ESV]
Get full access to On walking the Way at tompossin.substack.com/subscribe
During my visit to Ukraine, I have seen both the light of the world and the darkness of this present world. I have seen the tribulations of this age and the hope of the age to come.
This week, let’s all encourage each other with a hope that transcends politics and human government. We have a better king and kingdom than any the world could offer. Our hope is not in our strength but in the power of God’s love in Christ. And it is that same power in us that gives us the strength to press forward when it seems all hope is lost. That same power in us gives us love when the world gives us hate. This week, let’s show the world that there is a better kingdom. Let’s give of ourselves for someone else’s benefit. This week, let’s remind each other that we are the light of the world now, and the darkness will not overcome the light.
Have a great week!
Get full access to On walking the Way at tompossin.substack.com/subscribe
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By Tom PossinThe question, “Why is the world so evil?” has challenged us all at one point or another. War snaps this question into laser-sharp focus. Talking about war from a safe distance is one thing. Talking to those whose home is no longer a part of their country is another. Discussing the politics of the war gives no comfort as people bow on the street in honor and prayer as yet another funeral procession passes.
People look for peace, prosperity, and meaning in this life, but such things never last in this world. The kings of this age will not bring us lasting peace. But there is a king who has and will.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart;
I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33[ESV]
Love and war, tribulation and peace seem impossible to reconcile. But Jesus tells us that in this age — in this world, we will have both — in Him. The kingdom of God has begun but is not yet fully realized. We are in His new kingdom, so we know its peace, at least in part. Yet, the world around us is still governed by ancient evil principles. The seeds of evil produce only evil. It’s simply the nature of things. However, Jesus tells us that the kingdom is also a seed. It may be a tiny seed, but it will grow into a large plant.
All things were made through him,
and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life,
and the life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:3-5[ESV]
There is a lot of darkness in this world, but darkness can not overcome the light. The love of Jesus was abused, and this world attempted to extinguish it altogether. But the darkness neither understands nor can it destroy the light. The more love is abused, the brighter it shines, by contrast.
Love is — benefiting others at my expense.
Love can be resisted and ignored, but it cannot be destroyed. It can only be glorified.
War brings both evil and love into sharp contrast. While I see a lot of evil, I am not depressed because I have seen so much love rise in the face of it. I am watching people choose to put themselves in harm’s way to love those who are suffering. Love and war are opposites, but love is stronger than war. Wars end, love never ends. Kingdoms rise and fall, but the kingdom of God endures forever.
Jesus is our light and the source of our hope.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12[ESV]
But in Matthew, Jesus talked about the light of the world in a very different way.
“You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on a stand,
and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matt 5:14-16[ESV]
Get full access to On walking the Way at tompossin.substack.com/subscribe
During my visit to Ukraine, I have seen both the light of the world and the darkness of this present world. I have seen the tribulations of this age and the hope of the age to come.
This week, let’s all encourage each other with a hope that transcends politics and human government. We have a better king and kingdom than any the world could offer. Our hope is not in our strength but in the power of God’s love in Christ. And it is that same power in us that gives us the strength to press forward when it seems all hope is lost. That same power in us gives us love when the world gives us hate. This week, let’s show the world that there is a better kingdom. Let’s give of ourselves for someone else’s benefit. This week, let’s remind each other that we are the light of the world now, and the darkness will not overcome the light.
Have a great week!
Get full access to On walking the Way at tompossin.substack.com/subscribe