The conflict in Ukraine has been seething for quite a long time, its power appearing intense in the last few months, giving no indication of halting. The Ukrainian government and the Russian-supported separatists have been blamed for perpetrating atrocities, and regular citizens have endured enormously. As Christians, what should our position be on this contention? Is there a Biblical viewpoint on war?
Each war leaves our reality more regrettable than it was previously. War is a disappointment of political issues and mankind, and we ought to never celebrate it. In the New Testament, Jesus talks more about forgiveness than He does about violence and retribution. In Romans, Paul writes, “if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” In the Ten Commandments, God clearly states, “Thou shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13). This applies to both individuals and groups, and includes wartime killings.
Our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones in this violence. We might want to pause for a memorable minute to honor the valiant people battling for their liberty. Let’s keep an eye on Bible guidance in handling this situation.
Our obligation as Christians.
Petitioning God is a strong weapon against dread and anxiety. Many Ukrainian people are worried about why this happened and when it will end. Sincerely, being a refugee is not comfortable at all. When we petition God for individuals in Ukraine, we remind God to take charge since He is a decent and reliable Father. We can trust Him to accommodate His children and safeguard them from harm.
People’s prayer: safety and provision.
“Keep me as Your favorite; hide me under the shadow of Your wings,” Psalm 17: 8
This is a lovely image of the security that God offers us. We resemble His favorites, and he watches over us. At the point when we are feeling apprehensive, we can go to God and request His assurance. We should do this for ourselves, but also for the individuals of Ukraine who are currently confronting numerous risks.
Exodus 23:25 “You will serve the Lord your God, and he will favor your bread and your water, and I will remove affliction from among you.”
At the point when God called His own, the Israelites, to independence from subjugation in Egypt, He vowed to favor them. We can see from this that God is a God who favors His people. We can also request that He remove the disorders and illnesses that are so prevalent there. We can likewise ask that God prefer the endeavors of the people attempting to bring harmony and stability to the country.
Word for the people who have lost friends and family:
“He will clear away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will there be grieving, crying, nor torment any longer, for the previous things have died.” Revelation 21:15.
This gives us hope that one day, all the aggravation and suffering we experience in this life will be no more. We will be brought together with our underlying harmony and experience a daily reality such that there is no more distress. It is a short time that God will satisfy His commitment.
Word of hope for recovering:
“He personally took our sicknesses and bore our afflictions.” Matthew 8:7
We realize that Jesus is empathetic, and He often thinks about our agony. He will worry about our concerns for us. We should beg him to bring relief to those in Ukraine suffering right now. Jesus’ death has made it possible for us to be forgiven and have peace with God. We can pray that God will heal the wounds of those affected by war and that they will find peace in Him.
Prayer for our leaders
Proverbs 21:1
“The ruler’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the streams of water; He turns it any place He wishes.”
This verse assures us that our prayers for those in authority are not in vain. God is sovereign and has the power to change the hearts of anyone, including government pioneers. We should continue to pray to God for our leaders to think and see clearly as they make decisions about Ukraine.
“Favored are the peacemakers, for they will be called the offspring of God.” – Matthew 5:9
This scripture tells us that those who work for peace will be blessed and called children of God. Leaders have a lot of influence and can work for something good, knowing they have God’s blessing. Christ says that the role of a leader is to unite, not to detach peace from people. We should pray for our leaders to get wisdom. James 1:5 says “Assuming any of you needs wisdom, let him request it from God, who provides for all generously and without censure, and it will be given to him.”
Wisdom can help leaders not solidify their hearts with the individuals they lead. It can assist in forestalling settling on rushed choices that could bring about more conflict than less. What’s more, insight can guide us on how we should pray. So we should continue to ask God for it.
When we are confronted with viciousness, Christ advises us to answer with adoration and sympathy. By choosing not to retaliate, we are declining to participate in viciousness ourselves. This is the ideal way to answer war and struggle with adoration and empathy rather than scorn and brutality.
Our brothers you are not alone
God is the asylum amid the tides.
Even though I stroll through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and Your staff solace me. Psalms 23:4
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not frightened, for I am your God; I will reinforce you, I will assist you, I will maintain you with my noble, right hand.
This refrain guarantees us that God is generally with us regardless of how dim and startling the conditions may be. He won’t ever leave us or spurn us (Deuteronomy 31:16). When confronting hardships, we can breathe easily because we realize that we are in good company.
2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord race to and for all through the entire earth, to give solid help to those whose hearts are irreproachable toward him.”
God is guaranteeing that He is continuously looking after the earth and the people who serve Him. We can be sure that he sees what’s going on in Ukraine and that He will help the people working for His motivations there.
Psalms 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd; I will not lack He makes me rest in green fields. He leads me next to, or near, water. He reestablishes my spirit. For the wellbeing of his name, he leads me in the ways of honesty.
Psalms 31 (different verses)
Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my stone of shelter, areas of strength to save me; because you are my stone and my stronghold, lead and guide me in your name.”
This is a sign of the integrity and care of God. Although we are confronting troublesome times, we can believe that God is still great. He will accommodate our requirements and correctly lead us. We should supplicate that individuals of Ukraine would encounter this equivalent consideration from God during this preliminary season. “He is our stone and our fortification, and He won’t ever let us down. We should confide in Him and request His direction as we petition God for individuals in Ukraine.
Final prayer
Gracious God, author, and giver of peace, we come before you this day. Listen to our cries about human life torn by violent conflict. May your mercies that renew every morning be with us
Father, we lift the people of Ukraine to You. We pray for their safety and wellbeing during this unrest and uncertainty. We ask that Your peace would reign in their hearts and minds and that they would know Your comfort and care. You are Alpha and Omega; you understand why this war happened. We also pray for wisdom for the leaders, that they would make decisions that would be in the best interest of their people. Grant this to us in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final thoughts with this words from Kirk Franklin song.
Our brothers in Ukraine, you don’t have to worry since your joy is on the way. Know that you will make it since our lives are in His hands