“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5:21–22,NIV)
Jesus Christ came to save us and reveal the truth of our sinful nature. We are born sinners, unable to keep even the basic commandments of the Law. By dying on the cross, He fulfilled the Law on our behalf. In the eyes of God, who sees the heart, avoiding the act of murder does not mean we have kept the Law. The root of murder lies in the heart—hatred, anger, and other sinful motives. Actions like murder and violence are the visible result of deeper issues that come from our thoughts, emotions, and decisions. Jesus clearly taught that hatred in the heart is just as guilty as the act of murder. To stop violence, the source of the problem must change. The sinful heart filled with hatred, greed, lust, and bitterness must be transformed.
As violence, the extreme of hatred and anger, grows more intense, its impact becomes more deadly. In Korea and around the world, more lives are being lost or harmed. The World Health Organization defines violence as the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, a group, or a community. This includes suicide, armed conflict, and interpersonal violence. It covers not only physical actions but also threats and intimidation. Beyond physical death or injury, violence brings hidden consequences such as psychological trauma, emotional loss, and developmental problems that affect individuals, families, and communities.
According to the Korean Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, there were 215,968 reported cases involving violent offenders in 2021. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family reported 59,472 cases of domestic violence and 33,717 cases of sexual violence. In 2020, there were 18,945 cases of dating violence, many of which included serious crimes like physical assault and sexual abuse. School violence, which had decreased during remote learning, increased again as schools returned to normal operations.
Random attacks without clear motive or connection between the attacker and the victim are also becoming more frequent. Korea does not have detailed statistics for these types of incidents like the United States does, making it difficult to create effective responses. Recently, police have started classifying such offenses as crimes with irrational motives and including them in official statistics.
》Prayer Points
1. Let us pray to recognize that even hatred and anger in our hearts are sins before God. May we admit that we are sinners who cannot save ourselves and depend only on the cross of Jesus Christ. Let us also pray for both the perpetrators of violence who are unknowingly under the control of Satan and for the victims who suffer from it. May both hear the gospel of the cross and be saved through faith.
》Scripture Prayer
Psalm 11:1–7 (NIV)
1 In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. 2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. 3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” 4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. 5 The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. 6 On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. 7 For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.
Matthew 5:38–44 (NIV)
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. Let us pray that God would reveal His righteous authority to the wicked who relentlessly shoot arrows at the upright in heart and commit acts of violence, giving them a chance to repent. May He break down the lives ruled by hatred and anger, enslaved by emotion, and grant them the grace to believe in the gospel of the cross and live with a renewed heart.
2. Let us pray that God, the only true refuge for all, would completely heal and comfort those who have suffered deep physical and emotional wounds due to violence, through the overflowing love of the cross. As the Lord commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, may He pour out a heart of forgiveness and love toward the offenders.
3. Let us bless the Church to be restored as the glorious body of Christ, without blemish or stain, before God who watches over every heart and deeds with eyes like flames of fire. Through the Church, may those who suffer under the cruelty and violence of the wicked find comfort and peace, and come to enjoy true happiness in the light of the Lord’s face.
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