Scripture: “And there was war and slaughter everywhere” (Revelation 6:4 NLT).

The twentieth century was perhaps the bloodiest in history. It began with World War I, “the war to end all wars,” and soon re-erupted into World War II, then the Korean and the Vietnam Wars. As folk singers Peter, Paul, and Mary wrote, the question remains: When will we ever learn?

An Indian proverb states, “When elephants battle, the grass gets trampled.” Thousands of precious human lives were lost in this past century’s grab for financial gain and power. Still today, sabers rattle between nations. None of us can rest easy or sleep in peace.

This weekend, we honor our brave soldiers who gave their lives in the cause of peace. The world paid a terrible price–beyond all estimation–in the loss of these heroes.

But we also need to look closer to home, at the root of the hatred that displays itself in our individual lives. Daily, news reports of domestic strife, child abuse, school shootings, or other crimes reveal an all-too-common deep animosity and lack of care for others.

Jesus gave us the answer, which someday will become the Universal Law of the New Heaven and New Earth: “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and body. And love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

Prayer: Father, we fervently pray You would stop our warring with one another—not only between nations but also in our personal relationships with one another. Amen