Lesson 197. Rumors of Wars

War or military conflict is something we constantly hear about. Unfortunately, our world cannot live in peace and harmony. Armed clashes constantly take place in which souls perish and innocent people suffer. I believe that the instigator of all wars is satan and his army of fallen angels.

Throughout my life, I have witnessed many military conflicts in which I did not take part, but I listened to other people’s opinions about them and expressed my own.

There is a common rule in every war. My compatriots are always right, my heart is always on their side, and it constantly justifies them, even if they commit vile and abhorrent deeds. This rule must be taken into account, and one must be very careful when expressing one’s point of view.

When I hear about a war on another continent, it is so uninteresting to me that I regret spending my time learning the details. But the closer this conflict is to my Homeland, the more it begins to affect me as well. And when it happens in my country, I plunge into it completely and try to understand what the problem is. And, of course, the news announcer tells me all the truth I need to hear and forms in me the mindset I am supposed to have. The image of a very evil enemy, who must be hated and killed, is revealed to me in all its fullness. I am shown bloody scenes and told about the enemy’s atrocities, his cruelty, and the violence he commits against my people. And this has its effect on my mind, and I begin to believe everything I am told, because I see and hear real things and facts.

There is a great deal of death, cruelty, robbery, and treachery in war. War is an official way to kill, rape, plunder, steal, deceive, and commit other abominations with impunity under the cover of good intentions.

Does God know about these earthly wars? Of course. He has lived through every battle and conflict that has taken place on Earth, and for Him this is not something new but another opportunity to save people from death and calamity and to draw souls to the Savior.

When war begins, everyone tries to find the right answer to the question, ‘What should I do?’ And when they have had their fill of satan’s reports about the work he has done, they go to God with their questions and find an answer and comfort in Jesus. How many wives and mothers at this time offer prayers for their husbands and sons, asking the Lord to preserve these souls from death and injury. And the Lord performs miracles. He manifests His supernatural power to save from death and sin.

But most of all at this time, God desires to give people peace. He tries to reach their hearts before they believe satan and follow him, inflamed by his lies and spirit.

Being a believer in God and living in peace during a war is very difficult and, at times, dangerous. For you may be regarded as a traitor, since if you are not with us, then you are against us. But a believer understands that his thoughts and feelings must be crystal clear; they cannot be defiled by the world. And this is worth fighting for. But there is war all around, and innocent blood is being shed. How can one remain calm when one’s enemy plans to kill him and does so with particular brazenness and cruelty?

I have lived through military conflicts that were geographically very close to me, and I know what people say and think at such a time. And how painful it is to hear my God being asked why He allowed this. What can I say to these unfortunate people who have been deceived by satan and therefore accuse God of every evil? There is an answer to this question as well. Freedom implies not only the possibility of choosing the right path but also the possibility of choosing evil. And if a person prefers friendship with the world, then God respects his decision and allows the world to draw people into its wars and destroy them.

War provokes people to the basest thoughts and feelings, and this influence is enormous and destructive to the soul. After all, many who do not hold weapons in their hands become accomplices to crimes simply by approving this evil in their souls. But evil must be resisted.

And the only way to resist it in wartime is to have unconditional Love and constantly live in such a state of mind. Love? Yes, Love! And nothing else will help, nor has anything else been provided. But how, and whom, can one love at a time when children are dying and blood is being shed?

In the life of Jesus, we see an example of the right attitude. He lived during the Roman occupation, when the Romans were not especially friendly but behaved as masters, regarding everyone as their slaves and doing whatever they wanted and considered right. But Jesus did not condemn their behavior even by a hint. He remained outside politics and taught the people the principles of His Kingdom, calling them to civil obedience until earthly laws came into conflict with God’s laws.

Jesus assured us that we would likewise perish, as did the innocent victims, unless we repented of our sins. And this warning is worth heeding.

The time will soon come when everyone will be at war, and all nations will be drawn into this spirit of war. Speaking about Love at that time will become inappropriate, and living in Love will be mortally dangerous. I will be regarded as a traitor to my people if I love my enemies according to the commandment.

But it is worth loving. It is necessary. This is the most proper spirit at all times.

What will I resolve by my hatred and indignation while sitting on the couch in front of the television or in the kitchen with friends? Absolutely nothing. I did not start the war, and I will not end it. But will this spirit harm my soul? To the fullest extent. With such thoughts and feelings, I will lose the right to Eternal Life. I will become unfit for life among holy beings, although in this world I may be proclaimed a national hero and an outstanding public figure and thinker. But God has His own view of the deliverance of the soul. He saves me not in sin but from sin. Nothing unclean will enter Heaven.

Love knows how to behave at all times. It hears of rumors of wars but is not troubled. When I first encounter this, I may fall, seduced by the charms of the deceiver, accepting the spirit of war and hatred toward the enemy; but Love shows me a better way and raises me from this filth. It sets my feet upon the firm foundation of Love and friendliness and teaches me to act according to God’s principles. And God preserves my soul from all evil.

And it is worth understanding correctly, even now, the expectations and requirements of God’s law and God’s Love. While I am alive, something can still be changed and brought into harmony with the standards of the Almighty. And while there is no war, I am learning to know Love and to introduce its principles into my life. But the test will come.

I came to believe in Christ while living in Yugoslavia, when there was a war between Serbia and Croatia. I saw the suffering of the Croatian people and understood their spirit, but the Lord placed me among loving people who told me about Christ and revealed His Love through their lives. These were people born in Serbia but living in Croatia. It was very difficult for them at that time, but they judged no one. They tried to reveal God’s Love for people to me and pointed me to the Savior. And they succeeded. I was born again during a war. And now there is peace. But the war for my soul continues. I choose Love—this is my weapon and protection for all my remaining days. And this is a more excellent way.

1. Did you learn anything useful for your soul in this lesson?

2. Are you familiar with this spirit of war and hatred toward the enemy?

3. In what other ways can you preserve yourself from evil in an atmosphere of rumors of wars?

4. How can you help those who are possessed by hatred toward their enemies?

5. How did John the Baptist behave toward the Roman soldiers?

6. Will peace in our countries last forever?

7. Why does God restrain the winds of war?

8. Are there wars from God as punishment or deliverance?

9. Please read Luke 3:14; 13:1–3; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Revelation 7:1–3; 2 Chronicles 20:15; Psalm 27:3; Matthew 5:9, 44, 48; 24:6; Luke 21:9; Revelation 12:7; 1 Corinthians 6:10–12; Proverbs 20:18; 24:6; 21:31 in the light of our lesson.