Violence has become an everyday soundtrack in our modern world—so familiar, so normalized, that many have stopped noticing just how deeply it runs. From the streets to our screens, from homes to workplaces, a spirit of aggression has crept into the fabric of daily life. What once was shocking has now become routine.
A Culture Numbed by Aggression
Police officers are now assaulted not only physically but also verbally on a regular basis. Authority is disrespected. Order is mocked. Civility is unraveling. In public spaces, strangers lash out at each other without provocation. A troubling trend is rising where women, once considered symbols of gentleness, are becoming increasingly aggressive—cursing, spitting, hitting—sometimes even being celebrated for such behavior as empowerment.
Mental illness is escalating rapidly, and violence is often both a symptom and a cause. In music, violence is glorified. In movies, it’s entertainment. In games, it’s rewarded. We’ve grown desensitized to scenes that once would have disturbed us. We no longer flinch—we scroll, watch, and move on.
The Infection of Everyday Life
The office is not exempt. Passive aggression, hostile work environments, power plays, and intimidation have become the norm in many professional settings. Respect and kindness are rare, and manipulation often replaces morality. Even among family and friends, arguments escalate faster, tempers flare more often, and grace runs low.
Violence is no longer just what we do—it’s becoming who we are.
What Did Jesus Say?
Jesus never taught us to embrace violence. He warned us against it, urging His followers to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39), to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Yet society tells us to “clap back,” “stand your ground,” and “get revenge.”
We’ve traded humility for hostility, mercy for malice. We’ve forgotten that gentleness is strength. That silence in the face of insult is wisdom. That walking away is often braver than fighting back.
Return to Peace, Reject the Chaos
To thrive on less violence is to actively reject what the world pushes: the belief that power lies in anger, that dominance is the path to respect. It means cultivating peace—not just externally, but within.
God has called us to be peacemakers, not chaos creators (Matthew 5:9). To restore what has been broken by sin, not to contribute to it. We are ambassadors of Christ, tasked with reflecting His character in a violent world.
Make the Shift
- Guard your inputs: Cut down violent entertainment. Choose media that uplifts rather than incites.
- Watch your words: Let your speech be seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6), even when others don’t deserve it.
- Practice self-control: Anger is not power—peace is. The Holy Spirit gives us self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
- Pray for your enemies: It’s not weakness. It’s warfare—the kind that breaks cycles of hatred.
Conclusion: Thrive on Less Violence
The world thrives on rage, but the children of God thrive on peace. Violence may be trending, but kindness is eternal. Respect still matters. Love still heals. And Jesus still reigns.
So let us not be infected by the chaos around us. Instead, let’s stand firm, reflect Christ, and thrive on less violence—so we can shine in a world that desperately needs light.
Thrive on Less 
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