‘The phrase “violence begets violence” (or “hate begets hate”) means that violent behavior promotes other violent behavior, in return. The phrase has been used since at least the 1830s. Violence begets violence is a concept described in the Gospel of Matthew, verse 26:52.‘ (Source: Wikipedia).
The Lord Jesus did warn of those living by the sword, dying by the sword, and the Bible certainly makes it clear that this sad truth does apply…violent behaviour does promote other violence in return.
By swearing and lying, Killing and stealing and committing adultery, They break all restraint, With bloodshed upon bloodshed. (Hosea 4:2)
It is with great sadness that we see increases in the rates of domestic violence, and this seems to not be improving despite new concerted efforts by governments and justice officials. With this domestic issue often resulting in great harm and death to women in particular, we can only weep at our society. Often cowardly behaviour of men using the obvious strength to trample on the ‘weaker sex’ so to speak. Nothing can or should excuse that sort of behaviour.
And yet at the same time we see women and governments now celebrating their right to kill unborn children, even full term babes, because of their apparent rights. This time usually women using their obvious strength over the more vulnerable (the unborn), with the shedding of blood by violent means to abort an unborn child.
Both such violent acts are appalling, and ones which the Bible makes clear God will judge. However, it seems the very act of one can itself bring the cause of another, violence begets violence, as they tap in to that universal law of creation, and know that what you reap you will sow. No man or woman is an island indeed. The sins of one can indeed effect many others. So this is more about a culture in our society being to blame for an upsurge in violence.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9)
So can we be surprised that the wilful choice of women to kill unborn children due to a ‘right’, with it seems accelerated vigour, is also paralleled by the rising issues of domestic violence against women? Certainly, this type of violence would be contributing to the atmosphere of society that sees an increase of violence generally. That is not to say anything can warrant such violence against women, far from it, but as much as we might like to ignore the fact, abortion as part of women’s rights, is helping to establish a horrible culture of violence and death in our society.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
Certainly the spirit of death is on the rise in the western world, with radical socialists and capitalists, and feminists pushing for both abortion and euthanasia, also supported by adherents to the humanist manifesto. In the end seeking to play king over the lives of others, dressed up in the guise of women’s rights, self focussed care, and efficiency.
Jesus Christ calls us to rejoice in life, protect and cherish life. His light is the life of men and women. He particularly had a heart for children, infants included. All precious to Him, and fierce is His love for them. The enemy, Satan, seeks to kill, Jesus came for life. Sadly many today seemed to be agents of the enemy of old, and yet it is not too late to change. In the end death is defeated by Christ. God will forgive the sins of a repentant heart, as one calls on Jesus for His pardon.
Certainly many women are deeply saddened by abortion, and others have grieved and repented of doing so, as well as the men who forced the issue, and the voices of others concerned. Yet, these voices are struggling to be heard, as the silence and consent of many others see violence continue.
Other factors have also contributed to this issue. The fatherless/parentless generation (due to work ‘commitments’ and high costs of living), child and women abuse in the church, godless schools, economic rationalism, slavery, and ill treatment of the poor…to name but a few. We cannot remain silent about our sins. When we wish to address domestic violence, we should call men to a higher standard, and cause women to look at the violence made against the most vulnerable.
“Again, you shall say to the children of Israel: Whoever of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell in Israel, who gives any of his descendants to Molech, he shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. I will set My face against that man, and will cut him off from his people, because he has given some of his descendants to Molech, to defile My sanctuary and profane My holy name. And if the people of the land should in any way hide their eyes from the man, when he gives some of his descendants to Molech, and they do not kill him, then I will set My face against that man and against his family; and I will cut him off from his people, and all who prostitute themselves with him to commit harlotry with Molech. And the person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 20:2-7)
If we wish to see a change, the voices for life need to be heard, repentance needs to occur, men need to rise up to protect women and children, cleansing in the church, and the fear of God come to the nations. We need to honestly look at our part in the decay in of society….and pray, repent, and live out that change of heart. And like Jesus, champion life.
if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
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