Russia has invaded Ukraine, and war has broken out in many parts of the country. The political reasons behind this war are complicated and unjustifiable. Throughout history, it has been proven that the people who suffer the most during and after conflict are innocent civilians. Millions of innocent lives are lost and many more are maimed in warfare. Moreover, those who do not enlist in the wars are left without their fathers, husbands, brothers, and friends.
War Is The Consequence Of Sin
It is not the will of God that any war is ravaged on the earth. However, because of the effect of the original sin in the world, war, pain, hatred, and destruction is the portion of men.
- When the woman saw that the tree produced fruit that was good for food, was attractive to the eye, and was desirable for making one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate it. She also gave some of it to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. (Genesis 3:6-7)
The act of rebellion by man against God is the ultimate cause of the wars and destruction that have been for thousands of years.
Effects Of War In History
The infamous Thirty Years’ War in Europe between the years 1618 to 1648 reduced the population of Germany by more than 25%. On the other hand, World War II rendered around 60 million people dead. Forty million of which were innocent civillians. Millions more were left without certain body parts due to explosions, chemical weapons and gunfire. God is grieved by such destruction of lives and He expresses it by saying,
- “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.” (Ezekiel 18:23)
War also has devastating effects on the economy of the countries involved. The day-to-day business activities cease, and property is destroyed. The civillians left behind are rendered poor and unable to get back on their feet. Russia itself witnessed this after World War I when her economy was so bad that the civilians pioneered the Russian Revolution of 1917 and abolished the monarchy in the country. In the book of Judges, after the Midianites conquered the Israelites in war, the poor economic situation is depicted by Gideon being forced to secretly beat out wheat to hide it from his adversaries (Judges 6:1-11).
Displacement also happens after war and can permanently affect the life of the community or an individual. There are thousands of Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes in fear of losing their lives and families. They may not receive any compensation and will be forced to live a life of hardship henceforth. After the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, won the war against the Jews of Jerusalem in AD 597, the Bible explains that the city was utterly destroyed (2 Kings 25:3), and millions of Israelites were displaced. Many, including the prophet Daniel, were captured and forced to start new lives in Babylon as indentured slaves.
The Will Of God
Christ came to remind humanity about the way of peace. The Jews during His time hoped for the Messiah to bring destruction to the oppressive Roman Empire and reinstate the glory and power of the Jewish nation. However, their hopes were daunted by the words of the King of The Jews, who said,
- “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:38-45)
The apostle Paul, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, repeated the sentiment of Christ by saying,
- “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing, you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)
Thousands of men, women and children have already been affected by the war in Ukraine. Let us offer prayers of faith on behalf of the innocent Ukrainians impacted by the war initiated by Russia.