It Is Well

It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it.-Robert E. Lee

So you probably thought I would open this with a nod to the beloved hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul."

But since conflict seems to be the order of the day recently, the quote from General Lee seemed more apt.

To remember, in other words, that xenophobia is the natural state of humanity since the Fall.



I offer this book as my only example; at 1524 pages, it is a mere survey of human conflict.

So, it is well to remember that we are ruled, in our natural state, by fear of the other.

It is well to remember as we encounter the behavior prompted by fear that fear is a powerful emotion, able to completely control the hearts of those afflicted by it.
 It is well to remember that in the words of our Savior and in other places in Scripture, we are counseled to "fear not."

It is well to remember that the struggle with fear is real and more difficult with some, even Christians, than others.

It is well to remember that we are counseled also in Scripture to "love our enemies and pray for those who spitefully use us."

It is well to remember that Christ met fear with love.

It is well to remember that "perfect love casts out fear" and that this refers to Jesus' perfect love not my own, though I am surely called to imitate Christ.

It is well, finally, to remember that we are redeemed in Christ, and, in spite of troubles and trials, there is a glorious future awaiting us.

What have I to fear?

It is well with my soul.