The Ways of God are Strange!

Dealing with the Violence in the Ukraine with Christian Grace

Richard Hollerman

We look at the strange occurrence in the Ukraine and wonder what “the world is coming to.” It seems so strange. If you are living in America and in a hundred other countries of the world, this could never happen—or so we thought. In fact, when we think of the Ukraine, we are made to wonder, “How could this ever happen in a civilized nation”? How could Russia and the president there (Putin) ever perpetrate such a debacle? (Or maybe I should say, “cause such a debacle”?)

Perhaps you are a child of God or maybe you are not. If you are not a true Christian, the wickedness that has been unleashed in Eastern Europe is beyond imagination. If you are saved, we know that all of this is to be expected.

At this point, I suppose that we could (and should?) cite certain statistics that would emphasize the evil that we see. But we also know that denouncing this malevolent national leader (Vladimir Putin) will do no good. However, we point out his evil and the millions of Russians who follow him.

At the same time, we are aware that there are numerous people who are seeking to stop or hinder his insane and belligerent slaughter of the people of the Ukraine. These thousands are being thrown into jail and being persecuted themselves. We could also mention the two million refugees who have been forced to flee their houses and apartments and travel (usually by foot) to other countries. We are reminded not only of the 200 million Russian solders who must fight in a war that at least some of them cannot support but we also know that it has been said that many soldiers in the Ukraine (from about age 16 to 65?) are also forced to fight. Yes, we are living in a strange time when people of the world are fighting a war that they can’t support and doing what they would like to avoid.

Even though we assume that many or even most of these are fighting for their country in a war that they do fully support, we know that numerous people in that part of the world are engaged in a conflict and they don’t want to fight. And Mr. Putin, of course, is much to blame for this wicked onslaught.

The follower of Christ looks at all of this differently than many others who see and comment on this catastrophe. Would the Lord Jesus desert His stand on peace, reconciliation, purity and engage in this sort of war? Would He agree with the fighting that both sides are engaged in? We do know that the Russian combatants are enemies of the peace, but we also know that the Ukrainians are also participants (at least, those being attacked).

The Lord Jesus declared, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth’” (Matthew 5:38). Jesus went on to say, “Do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (5:39). Paul also said, “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone” (Romans 13:17a).

As we continue to read, we come to this: “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 13:19-21). Is this the way of modern (or ancient) warfare? Who ever heard of such a thing? Whoever gives something to a hungry enemy or something to drink to a thirsty enemy? Paul doesn’t deny that they are “enemies” and neither should we, but we need to take note of what the apostle says here.

Let’s also note, in another context, what Paul writes: “See that no one repays another with evil for evil but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Do we really seek the “good” of our enemy? Do we repay another with “evil for evil” or do we determine to do that which is good for all people—including an enemy?

In other words, even though it would seem that Putin and his associates are wicked people and seek to do harm to people whom the world would consider “innocent,” do we seek to do him and others like him good? What about the millions of people in the wicked country of Russia? Do we do them good in some way? And (sorry, we must mention this), what about the evil people in Ukraine? Is there anything we can do to bless them? We know that most of those living in both of these nations are guilty before God and will be judged by Him. We know that they are not born anew by the Spirit of God. But what can we do for them, to bless them, and to “do good” for them (1 Thessalonians 5:15)?

Let us think, speak, write, and act like true Christians! Let us not be “sucked” into the fray and speak or write or do that which God would not want. Let us truly be saved ourselves and seek for their own salvation.