When Injustice and Violence Fill the Streets
We see it everywhere. Violence in our cities. Injustice in our systems. Anger boiling over into chaos. People marching, shouting, and sometimes destroying — convinced that vengeance will fix what is broken. The world says fight back. The world says get even. But what would Jesus do when injustice fills the streets and violence takes over?
He already showed us.
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus gave a command that turns the natural response upside down. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
That’s not soft. That’s not passive. That’s powerful. Jesus wasn’t saying ignore injustice. He was saying don’t become unjust while opposing it. He didn’t retaliate when wronged. He didn’t call for revenge when mistreated. He forgave. Even from the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Jesus taught that righteousness does not come through violence. It comes through mercy, truth, and love that refuses to mirror the evil done to us.
So what would Jesus do when injustice and violence fill the streets?
He would not turn a blind eye to suffering.
He would not respond to evil with more evil.
He would not seek revenge to settle the score.
He would speak up for what is right.
He would love those who hate Him.
He would call for forgiveness, healing, and transformation.
How should we follow Him today?
Stand for justice — but do it God’s way. Speak against wrong — but do it without hatred. Reject violence, even when the world calls it justified. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, knowing that only Christ can change hearts.
The answer to injustice is not more injustice. The answer to hate is not more hate.
Jesus didn’t overcome evil by becoming evil. He overcame evil with good. What would Jesus do today? He would walk into a violent, divided world and say again, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”