Sutra 34
Uncertain knowledge, giving rise to violence, whether done directly or indirectly or condoned, is caused by greed, anger or delusion in mind, moderate or intense degree. It results in endless pain and ignorance. Through introspection comes the end of pain and ignorance.
In the Old Testament, there are examples from Isaiah and Job were non-violent men were used as sacrificial lambs to prove a point to humanity and Satan in the name of God. Then Christ came to offer forgiveness and a fresh start for us to be born again. Once we repent and change our ways away from violence, greed, and anger and live more like Christ example he promised us everlasting life in the kingdom of God. Paul lived a violent life before Christ came and offered forgiveness for his sins. Then with the help of Christ Paul lived out his life with the introspection of his past regrets and expressed his love for Christ by following and spreading the word of God to everyone he met.
Titus 1:7-10 Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless- not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable one who loves what is good who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Here God is telling us to know his teaching, live a life of purity, and practice self-control. He does not say we will not experience pain, nor does it tell us how to control ourselves. The Bible just states over and over again to be loving, hospitable, and disciplined even in the face of pain. It is up to us as individuals to train ourselves to walk with God through our lives, finding comfort in him.
I think that the word of God agrees and disagrees with this sutra. We should stay away from being violent or having greed, anger, or delusions of mind. But we are almost promised pain, to suffer in the name of Christ. To live without pain is not promised. The promise of God is to have eternal life with him, but first, we must master ourselves. It is up to us to turn our focus to God and away from greed, anger, and violence and in doing so the peace and love from God will elevate what physical pain and suffering we may endure in his name.
