Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It seems war and peace are in a constant tug of war in our heart – Injustice done to our self, war or peace? Injustice done to others in front of our eyes, war or peace?

Of course, the best way to solve any problem is a peaceful way – using soft and sweet talk. But as we all have experiened, many times soft and sweet talks can’t solve a problem, because some people despise sweet talk and only respect strength – and using strength usually means you are ready for war.

War or peace is not an easy question to answer at times.

Abraham Lincohn was agonizing greatly when he pondered over war or peace in the heat of North–South tension over slavery. He prayed a lot each day, asking God to show him what to do for his country. He got to do justice for his people, especially for millions of slaves, but he also pained over the prospect of death, carnage, and suffering from a civil war.

In our life, many times we must make a tough decision – firing a good empoyee who is also a good friend, standing tough with a subordinate who is beginning to go wayward, standing up to some great injustice done to the poor by some government officials…

Once your conscience asks you to take a tough stance, even if you have only peace in your heart, people may misuderstand you and may start a war against you, and you find youself in a tough position – Do I fight back for justice or do I just quietly tolerate the beating, also for justice?

That is a very personal matter. There is neither right nor wrong answer. Only your heart knows the answer for you.

And, your God – he knows you and what you should do.

So, my suggestion is: Do what Abraham Lincohn, and I, do – pray a lot.

With compassion,

Hoành

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Trần Đình Hoành
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