From disagreements to wars: the conflict of good vs good

A few days ago, my children had a disagreement. It started off as a mild, verbal quarrel but escalated rather quickly to (almost) physical blows. It would have ended in pain if not for my loud and shocking (read: unexpected) interference that I think, jolted them both to their senses.

Reflecting on that with the current world situation, I’m silently praying that God would, if it is in His wisdom to do so, send the equivalent of a loud interference so that peace can return. I’m not sure what the equivalent will be …. perhaps a massive thunderclap and some impressive lightning shows?

Why do wars occur? And who is the right party in this situation?

In my younger years, I was quick to pass judgment on a situation. Right and wrong as well as good and bad was for me, an easy decision. It seemed simple: as humans, there are universal moral laws that we adhere to. Things we do that follow these universal laws are good or right, and things we do that oppose these laws are bad or wrong.

This system works …. until it doesn’t.

Current world happenings is a large-scale, visible evidence of a failure of this moral system. Life is much more nuanced and complex to be able to neatly segregate actions into either the ‘good’ or ‘bad’ bucket.

In recent years, I have come to understand that not one single person truly ever believes that they are bad (or wrong). Our actions, my own included, are largely dictated by what I believe is good.

That is, good FOR ME AND MINE.

Let me give you an example.

When I’m playing a game and a referee makes an error in his/her judgment and awards a point by mistake IN MY FAVOR, I consider the error a GOOD one.

(Sure, my sportsmanship and conscience usually comes calling and I will – maybe – correct the error in favor of fair play, but you see my point).

But if the referee makes an error in his/her judgment and awards a point to the opposing team, I’m outraged. And the error is BAD.

This example is very basic, but you get the idea.

My judgment of what is good and what is bad is terribly skewed. Anything that I view is good is generally for the flourishing of me and mine; even if it is at the expense of you and yours. And problems arise when YOUR definition of good clashes with my definition of good.

THIS is the root cause of conflict: everything ranging from mild disagreements to moderate arguments to full-scale wars. It’s not good vs bad.

It’s good vs good. Yours vs mine.

I’ve heard a lot of comments on the current military conflict that is taking place. Comments on things certain leaders should be doing or should not be doing. On how bad decisions are being made. On how things should be done this way or that. And I usually sit through these discussions (unwillingly) with nothing to say and no contribution to make.

I’m unable to take sides because it is beyond my understanding to decide who is good and who is bad.

Or who is right or who is wrong.

There are a lot of people and circumstances at play in this conflict; and that’s even before considering the fact that every physical war is accompanied by an unseen one that involves powers and principalities that cannot be fought with physical weapons.

Like I said earlier, it's far more complex and nuanced that we can imagine from our limited perspectives.

The only thing I do know for a fact, is that my heart is breaking for the pain and suffering that people are going through at the moment. I know that it’s not God’s will that His beloved creation should go to war against each other, and that His heart is probably breaking more than mine ever could.

And so the only thing that I can do, which is likely the most powerful thing anyone can do in this situation, is pray.

The only one who ultimately knows what is right from wrong, good from bad, and the best course of action to pursue, is God.

The only one capable to meting out true justice is God.

And the only one who is qualified to judge anyone is God.

So I surrender it all to Him in prayer: that although He has allowed us humans free will while here on earth, that He will be merciful to us and extend us grace by intervening where and when He deems fit. That all of us who are praying will be able to, by our intercession and prayers, aid in the work of bringing heaven to earth here and now. That peace, prosperity, life, and goodness will arrive and be preserved. That He will not and will never give up on us.

My invitation to you:

If you have been/are concerned about the current state of affairs globally, I’d like to invite you to do the most powerful thing anyone can do: pray.

Your prayer can move mountains. It can change the world. You have the power to ask God to intervene.

If you’d like to pray in community, I’d like to invite you to join the online 24 hour prayer meeting and global week of prayer organized by 24-7 Prayer.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.

Blessings,

Being xxx