"No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Then all your people will be righteous, and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoots I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly." -Isaiah 60:18-22, NIV
Violence is everywhere. In the news feed, social media, daily conversations, and recent events. I don't need to tell you that, right? Beyond our homes and within our nations, the answer to violence isn't more violence, and yet that's what many of society cling to.
While headlines shift and horrifying events rapidly multiply, the trend of violence itself is constant. Not only that, but it's being repeated in history, traced all the way back to the Scriptures. Crimes, chaos, assassination, evil plots, and deception are an ever-present backdrop in our culture. But while homicides fell 17% in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024 (Stateline, 2025), there's still much reason for concern. Especially when it comes to studies on youth exposure and Gen Z's reaction.
An alarming study conducted in 2024 reported that "67% of youth reported experiencing at least one type of violence exposure within the last year, while 55% admitted to perpetrating at least one type of violent behavior. And nearly 70% reported experiencing at least one trauma symptom." Those numbers are shocking and should cause empathy in all of us. Violence isn't a concern for sensation; it's a concern for empathetic, well-driven action.
In a society where violence feels normal, how do we as followers of Jesus live out the call to be peacemakers, letting our lives reflect the Prince of Peace? More importantly, when chaos is all around us, and others respond in violence, how do we respond?
Violence Is Not New
First, violence is not new. Tracing back to our ancestors, we see evil when Satan tempted Eve with the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3), and Cain killed Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4). Because of the fall, we all become restless wanderers (Genesis 4:12) upon this earth, desperately in need of a Savior—someone beyond ourselves to offer us peace and gentleness in a messy and destructive world. According to Genesis 6, a few chapters later, this flood generation even caused the earth to be filled with violence (verse 11). It was so filled with evil intent of all kinds that God needed to wipe the world to start all over again (Genesis 6:12-13).
Books like Isaiah and Micah, as referenced earlier, lamented this bloodshed:
"Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways." - Isaiah 59:7, NIV
"Your rich people are violent; your inhabitants are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully." - Micah 6:12, NIV
Sounds like our world today, doesn't it? We live in a world where exploitation is the norm. The rich deceive the poor. Bad things happen to good people. And while methods of violence change and grow over the years, including things like school shootings, wars, mass assassinations, and online harm, the human heart issue is timeless. Jeremiah 17:9 explains it this way: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it" (KJV)?
Christ's Way of Peace
Thankfully, because of Jesus Christ, we have an answer to all this violence. This doesn't mean that violence will cease to exist—we live in a broken and fallen world after all, and this place is not our home. I still struggle to answer why bad things happen to good people, and why we as a nation can't seem to solve the issue of violence. But here's the good news: Isaiah 9:6 says that through God, we have access to the Prince of Peace. Violence will still exist this side of Heaven, but a gift has been given to all that lasts for eternity; He cannot be taken away from us:
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6, KJV
In Matthew 5:9, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount explains that "blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9, NIV). Why are they blessed? Because they shall be called Sons of God. What's cool about this verse is that the beatitudes flip our culture on its head. The poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are meek, hungry, and thirsty, merciful, pure in heart, and persecuted, those are the individuals who receive the Kingdom of Heaven, receive comfort, inherit the earth, are filled, shown mercy, see God, and receive the Kingdom of Heaven. Sounds crazy, right? But only our Creator could use awful things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
Similarly, at the time of Jesus' arrest, He again advocated for peace when it made no sense: “Put your sword back in its place” (Matthew 26:52, NIV), he told the Disciple who cut off a servant's ear. Even on the cross, Jesus absorbed violence without retaliation (1 Peter 2:23). He did this not because He was powerless, but powerful. He did it to display His love, the ultimate banner and demonstration of peace under control. His death and resurrection from the grave, breaking the cycle of sin and violence once and for all (Colossians 1:20).
Why Violence Hits Gen Z So Hard
The facts about Jesus and His offer of peace sound good and are true, but honestly, they can be hard to grasp and comprehend while we continue to live in such a messed-up world. For Gen Z specifically, we've grown up with lockdown drills, constant exposure to violent media, and global unrest on our phones. Violence isn't just around us; it's within us and has surrounded us since infancy. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God because of sin's birth inside (Romans 3:23), but this outward violence has caused increasing rates of anxiety, depression, fear, and paranoia that are skyrocketing.
According to the Guardian, there's an alarming surge in young people who feel overwhelmed, unsafe, and spiritually hungry. Many wrestle with numbness, and when violence is constant, it can feel “normal.” State violence is the norm, but it doesn't make it any easier to handle or process. Chaos may carry on, but God sees this generation’s pain and invites them into His peace. Not so that we may escape this world, but so that we may learn how to process it with and through Him.
A Christian Response in an Age of Violence
If violence will continue to exist, and most likely increase, how can we as Christians respond?
Lament Honestly
It sounds too simple, but far too many of us act like life is rainbows and sunshine when it's not. God doesn't expect us to be okay all the time and put up a plastic front. No, God wants us to come to Him with our heartbreak, confusion, and questions so that we may process as we rest in Him. Yes, He already knows, but He desires to hear from us.
If you struggle to lament honestly, I encourage you to look at the Psalms of Lament as models. Psalm 13 and 22 are great examples. Once you pick out a passage, take time to read it, reflect, and compare it to the suffering or injustice you may be experiencing. Then, create space for grief through a conversation with the Lord. You can journal, pray out loud, with a friend, or on a prayer walk—whatever works best for you. What matters most is that by carving out intentional time to process what you're experiencing, you will healthily deal with grief rather than shoving it down with quick fixes.
Reject Numbness
While feeling numb can serve as a coping skill from time to time, Romans 12:9 encourages us to “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Numbness isn't bad in and of itself, but it can lead us to avoid our problems and prolong healing. Don’t let violence become entertainment or background noise. Yes, it's okay to tune out the news. Yes, it's okay to take a break from socials to maintain your mental health. But don't let these measures cause you to become apathetic.
Live as Peacemakers
Perhaps the biggest challenge of all, in a world of violence, is to strive to live as peacemakers. To the world, this looks absurd. Shouldn't we respond to evil by getting even and keeping score? But according to Romans 12:17-21, our best course of action is to leave vengeance to the Lord: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Berean Standard Bible).
True peace doesn't come by being a pushover, not standing up for yourself or others, or ignoring injustice, but rather it comes through what Matthew 5:9 describes as peace in action: resolving conflict, standing against injustice, and seeking reconciliation. Whether this is through everyday actions, such as kindness shown in the classroom to friends, or choosing peaceful words in social media engagement that gets out of control, your actions matter and make a difference.
Pray Boldly
After we're honest with God, reject numbness, and strive to live as peacemakers with the Lord's help, I would encourage all of us to pray boldly both as an intercessor and as resistance against despair. Prayer is powerful, and it's important for us to root our actions in faith and trust. As 1 Timothy 2:1-2 notes, pray for leaders, peace, and justice. While this passage is originally about instructions for worship, prayer, intercession, and thankfulness can help lead us and our nation into a place of peace, even where chaos surrounds us: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (NIV).
Hold to Future Hope
At the end of the day, I wish I could say violence will cease to exist on this side of Heaven. I wish I could wipe away every tear, destruction, and evil that exists under the sun, but I can't. What I can do is point you to the hope of the future that I continually cling to. Revelation 21:4 speaks of a day when violence, pain, and death will disappear. While they last now, they won't last forever. This doesn't make the violence we experience now easier to handle or grieve, but it reminds us to hold onto a future hope that will never be taken away from us. As Christians, we can live with eyes on the kingdom that is already breaking in.
Revelation 21:1-4 notes: "Then I saw 'a new heaven and a new earth,' for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (NIV).
Friends, violence will continue to exist in our world, but I'd encourage you to ask these questions:
-Am I reflecting the violence of this world, or the peace of Christ in how I speak, act, and respond?
-What are practical ways I can show peace in a chaotic world?
-What's one area where you can practice peacemaking this week in your nation, home, or workplace?
A Prayer to Cope with the Chaos of Our World
Dear Jesus,
You are our everlasting Prince Peace in a messed-up and fallen world. We confess that violence has surrounded our nation, and sadly, too often shaped us and how we respond. While we grieve for the brokenness in our world, communities, and our own hearts, let this serve as an opportunity for change to take place. Forgive us when we choose apathy or retaliation instead of prayer or peace. Fill us with your hope and courage as we learn to talk to you openly, love boldly, and live as agents of peace. We look forward to the day when you will wipe away every tear and end violence once and for all. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus.
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ ROBIN WORRALL
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