The skies are black with clouds—the clouds of the smoke of war. The ground is red with blood—the blood of innocent lives caught in the inferno and torments of war. Villages, towns, and cities are being destroyed. Poor and innocent civilians, including small children, are being deprived of basic necessities. Families are being torn apart, watching their loved ones die in pain and agony. Is any cause worth so great a cost in human life? Are injustices on the part of one government corrected by the injustices of another? What government is righteous and just and worthy of judging another?

No army can claim to be waging war on the side of “right.” War, killing, death, and destruction are not right. Humanity was placed on this earth to love and care for one another, but because of selfishness and greed, the world has become increasingly corrupt, and fighting and killing have become a way of life. This was never meant to be.

Those who wage war in the name of God, claiming His blessing on their cause, are mistaken. Many are misled by their own sense of right and righteousness, while others act out of hypocrisy. Those who truly know and love God, and those who follow My words and example strive for peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9, KJV). I went so far as to say that you should “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and do good to those who hate you” (Matthew 5:44). Do those who are so intent on waging war heed My words in this? Or do they merely call on God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him?

Let those who think they stand take heed, for their time is coming, and they will fall. It is a law of God and of nature that you will reap what you sow. Those who wage war, who pursue the domination, destruction, and devastation of other lands will reap sorrow and bloodshed themselves.

I know the hearts of men. I will reward the peacemakers. I will judge the warmongers. Every man will give account before Me in the Day of Judgment. Search your own heart. Determine where you stand—whether on the side of peace or the side of war, on the side of freedom or the side of tyranny.

God is almighty. He could use His power to force humanity to do what is right, but He chose to give man the majesty of choice. He allows each person and each nation to determine their own destiny through the choices they make. He does not impose His will or His plan upon mankind. How much less should mere mortals impose their will and plan upon others? People should never force others to conform to their beliefs or way of life. One government should never force another to operate according to its ideals and desires. This is not God’s way. This is not His plan.

If you stand by when the freedoms of another nation are being violated, do not be surprised if someday you find your own freedoms lost. If you have freedom of speech now but you do not use that freedom and speak out against oppression and tyranny, one day you will lose it. Do not take your privileges lightly.

Are you a peacemaker and worthy to be called a child of God? Are you personally acquainted with the God who is love? Have you come to Him by praying to receive Me into your life? If you know Me in name only, you can change that here and now. Get to know Me personally and intimately. Receive My spirit of love, peace, and light into your life and heart. Talk to Me. Call on Me. If you don’t know what to say, you can pray this prayer:

Jesus, I want to know You personally. I want to understand the truth. I want to see the world the way You see it. I want to understand Your will, and I want to do my part to fulfill Your will. I want to stand up for truth and justice. Give me strength to do so. Show me what I can do to change the world around me for the better. Show me how to love my fellow man, how to help and care for others as You would help and care for them if You walked on earth today. Show me what I can do to promote peace. Amen.

Take a stand with God, a stand for peace, a stand against war. Take a stand for freedom, and against the hypocrisy, greed, and selfishness of those who are eager to wage war. Pray for peace. Pray for the innocent. Remember, you are accountable to God and will stand before Him one day. Live accordingly.