Think About It

It is rare for me to open up my web browser and not see some kind of story about another act of violence that has taken the life of someone – all too often someone who is described as an innocent victim.  Often, associated with these stories, is a call for the end to gun violence which is a natural reaction by people who are grieving the loss of someone they love.  Now, it is important that you read the rest of what I am about to write because this isn’t a treatise on guns … it is an appeal to a deeper level of restraint.  You see, tools of violence are only a part of the story.  If we are going to end the violence, we need to dig deeper into the issues.  I will not advocate one way or the other on firearm ownership, but I will go on record decrying the influence of things like hate, intoxicating substances and anger.  While the Bible is silent on possession of dangerous weapons, it does callout negative emotional triggers.  The Old Testament says, “Do not look on the wine when it is r