"You shall not murder."
"Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him" (Gen. 4:8).
These words record the first murder, and sadly not the last. But have we, even as Christians, become desensitized to violence and even to murder? We need to start there.
I once heard about a little boy who was told the story of Cain and Abel. His reaction? He began to cry. His reaction was right because his heart was too. "Turn and become like children," says Jesus.
We live in a violent, murderous world, because we live in a sinful, terribly fallen world. God fought back by sending His Son into the world to give His life. Christ, His love and forgiveness are the only hope for this world.
But what can WE do? Pray for God to REsensitize our hearts to the preciousness of every human life. After this, the Holy Spirit will show you many things you can do. Let me give you three examples.
1. Vote for those whose positions are life-affirming (pro-life). Encourage your friends to do the same.
2. Parents, shield your children from the violence they would otherwise see on the screen. And do not let them play violent video games. Violence is never a game.
3. Encourage and thank your pastor when he speaks about the sanctity of human life in all its stages. Help your congregation to witness more actively.
Christians are called to lives of repentance, faith, and love. Central to this life is to hold human life in the highest regard and even to revere it.
