It is a terrible habit to strike and hit others. Sometimes we adopt the practice of imitating characters in the movies. Allowing words and habits of others to disturb us so much that we hurt others will come to an end; shouting and kicking others will cease. Striking and challenging others will not be chosen when we ‘do as we would have them do.’ The Scriptures teach us to report violence to authorities like principals and coaches, police, sheriff and parents so they can act within the law to protect you from the violence of others (Romans 13:1-7).
Romans 12:17 plainly teaches us to let God avenge for us! When it comes to the law of the land, government can punish lawbreakers. That is the proper place for us to place our anger; God and the law will execute justice.
If we get into the habit of striking others because we disagree with them, we run the risk of being under arrest and going to jail. This is proper because society needs to be protected. One of our founding fathers of great USA noted, “I disagree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to say those things.” The right to disagree with others and not be struck by them is a freedom in America which should be cherished by all (Proverbs 22:24-25).
[Editor’s Note: First Timothy 3:3 says of a candidate for appointment as a “bishop” or elder, “Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous” (KJV). A “striker” is a contentious, quarrelsome person who is more than willing to follow up his boisterous behavior with physical blows. While the short article above may seem to be a strange admonition, apparently such bad conduct is not limited to the playground, but even adult Christians need to heed this instruction as well. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
