One would have to live on another planet to not be aware of the mass shooting that took place yesterday at a school in Uvalde, Texas. Thus far, the tally is 19 children and 2 teachers have died from the attack. This only 10 days after the supermarket shooting in Buffalo in which 10 people were killed.

Sometimes I see things posted about how automobiles, knives, and other such things kill more people than guns do. With that in mind, I want to offer something to reflect on.

Automobiles exist to help people get from point A to B. Sometimes they end up hurting others.

Knives exist as a tool, specifically for things like cooking. Sometimes they are used to hurt others.

Guns were created for one thing alone. To kill. They exist for no other reason.

I have lived in countries where most police don’t even carry guns, much less your average citizen having access to guns. I was recently at a local donut shop and a man walked in with a gun strapped to his waist. I don’t even know if the place allows for open carry, but there he was.

One can argue, “Well, that’s why we need a gun. To stop situations like Buffalo and Uvalde.”

But is that reality?

Let me offer another reflection: Violence begets violence. Violence does not lead to peace. Even the reaction of using a gun on an attacker with a gun is violence. Hence, violence genuinely begets violence.

In the end, I remind you of these two points:

Guns were created for one thing alone. To kill.

Violence begets violence.

May God have mercy on these families and I look forward to the day when we are able to truly live out Isaiah 2:4 – They will beat their swords [guns] into plowshares and their spears [guns] into pruning hooks.