Why is There War?

Nobody really desires war. Most people hate war. In fact, many people really don't struggle with war because they would never imagine engaging in it. My generation and younger are probably the first where the majority of people are not military. So we have a harder time understanding it than previous generations. However, I would hope we can form a biblical understanding, even if it is different from each other.

People engage in war because conflict in this world is inevitable. As long as people ignore God, allow envy in their lives, or take what is not theirs to have, war is necessary. And this is true whether the war is between nations or at the community level. (James 4:1-3) This is why we have police, guards, soldiers, locks, security systems, etc.

War is a given. So it would be wise to not be too alarmed, nor let our hearts get weighed down in this world. For many things will happen. And our faith is not dependent on what we perceive as good. (Matthew 24:6-14; Luke 21:34) Instead, bind those who are wounded--physically and emotionally, share the hope of salvation with the world--enemy or ally, be faithful to Christ--serving one another in grace.

War is war. It is necessary. Soldiers who become Christians are never asked to lay down their arms by any follower of Christ in Scripture, nor by Jesus Himself. (Luke 3:7-14; Acts 10; Matthew 8:5-13) In fact the endorsement by Paul and Peter of the wicked Roman government is that they do God's will in this world to stem back evil. (Romans 13:1-5; 1 Peter 2:13-17)

What I want—no more war—is irrelevant.
Who I trust—God or man—is relevant.