Mat.26:52

"For all who take the sword will perish by the sword."

Violence creates violence.

We may use violence to try to solve problems or end confrontations. We labor under the mistaken impression that we can control ourselves and the outcomes of our violence (violence of all types--mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, etc.). We think that we will be able to apply "just the right amount" of violence and wield the sword justly.

But, we cannot remove the sword without drawing blood. And the drawing of blood is a terrible thing.

We cannot wield the sword justly and, instead, only end up reproducing violence throughout our lives. It prospers in the confusion and fear inherent to violence.

The true challenge becomes learning to accept suffering and pain, as an act of love, so that the cycle can be broken. In other words, the challenge is to learn to live and respond like Jesus who loved his enemies so much he could not bear to hurt them.