Do We Have Nothing Better To Do Than To Shoot People? By Gary Patterson

 

Do We Have Nothing Better To Do Than To Shoot People? 

By Gary Patterson 

 "Data shows that all types of gun violence - from homicide to suicide to mass shootings - are on a mostly upwards trajectory in the US. In 2019, the total number of gun-related deaths in the US was 33,599. In 2022, the number of deaths rose to 44,290 - a 31% increase. Most of these deaths are suicides by a firearm, followed by homicides. While mass shootings often draw alarm, they make up a small fraction of gun-related deaths - in 2020, mass shooting victims made up 1.1% of overall firearm deaths." (wŵw.bbc.com) 

 I have been following the various news stations out of Chicago. Everyday, and every night, there are shootings, and with it, there is devastation and death. The question I have, is why are we turing into such a vigilante society? Why are we losing our value of human life? When a life is taken by a shooting, how does this affect the family of the victim? How does it affect the community in which the shooting took place? Such deep sorrow, and fear reign in the hearts of those who are left behind, and those who witness such tragedy. 

The Bible is clear about murder. Exodus 20:13, "You shall not murder." 

1 John 3:15, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." It is one of the Ten Commandments, to not murder, or kill! God is very straight forward about this. And to take a life for selfish reasons, is to have hatred in one's heart. One who hates his brother, does not have "eternal life abiding in him." Hatred, and murder is sin. And one who has this motive in their hearts, has the spirit of death, instead of eternal life. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, in Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) 

Without a doubt, to see so much violence and death, is to read clearly just where we are as a society. We are lost in the sin of hatred, and selfishness. We are a lost society, that needs the saving touch of our Savior Jesus Christ. Only He can save us, and help us to see that love is the answer to all of our social problems. 

Instead of spending horrific times of shooting and killing, we need to be surrendering to Jesus Christ, and allowing Him to teach us how to love people, just as He has loved loves us, and gave His life for us! GP 

 Photo: Vika_Glitter - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com