There is rioting once again on the streets of Belfast and it isn’t peaceful protests! What has been happening in the past few days is highly reminiscent of the darkest days of Northern Ireland.
There have been stone throwing, burning barricades, petrol bombs, pipe bombs and even some shots fired, but fortunately there have been no reports of serious injuries or deaths – at least not yet.
The trouble was supposedly sparked by a loyalist march through a mainly republican area. However intelligence reports available so far suggest that local residents are not behind the riots, but groups who have come into the city from outside with the specific intention of causing trouble.
God willing, those who are behind the present troubles will be either caught and dealt with or, preferably, they will come to see the error of their ways and choose a more productive path for their lives.
One sad aspect of the long standing rivalry in Northern Ireland is that the two factions have chosen to be known by names that are strongly associated with the Christian faith – Loyalists are often referred to as Protestants and Republicans as Catholics.
Whilst there are many devout Christians from both traditions in Northern Ireland, the conduct of those who are involved in the riots belies the titles they choose for themselves:
Jesus said of His disciples:
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
(John 15:14)
Just three verses later, Jesus added:
This, then, is what I command you: love one another.
(John 15:17)
In the words of Jesus you cannot find any justification for hating other people and certainly not for attempting to cause them harm.
Some have chosen to criticise Christianity, along with other religions, for being the cause of hatred, violence, killing and war. In fact, these behaviours have their roots elsewhere and are diametrically opposed to true Christian values.
The simple fact is that the world would be an infinitely better place if individuals chose to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ instead of the natural inclinations of their own hearts. Unfortunately, the likelihood of this happening on a large scale is extremely remote, but it can happen at an individual level and is happening all the time.
Why not check out how God can dramatically change your life.
