The solution to unprovoked firearm violence in our society is not gun control, but self-control.

Galatians 5:23 tells us that self-control is the result of the indwelling Spirit of God in one’s life, and without the Holy Spirit there is no control over one’s unbridled sinful behavior.

The angry expressions of violence are easily acted upon when the Holy Spirit is not present in a man’s life. When the Holy Spirit is not present, the sinful human spirit reigns and harbors selfishness without regard to God or other people.

Granted, we don’t all jump to violence when self-control escapes us, but by disregarding personal responsibility and willfully forcing harm upon another because of disagreement, without the cause of self-defense, we admit the absence of the Holy Spirit in our heart, mind, and soul.

The bad news may be that this violence will continue to spread as the rejection of the Spirit of God continues to spread.

The good news may be found in the midst of this bad news, because Jesus said, “as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37) and Genesis 6:11 says that in the days of Noah “the earth was filled with violence.”

Let’s pray with the Apostle John, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

Read Why Jesus? at the CrossHope Chapel website.