When we are preoccupied with exerting our rights, getting what we want, and proving the other person wrong, the contention will grow, and along with it anger, bitterness, and resentment. None of these can coexist with peace because they are negative emotions that keep our focus off the Way of Peace and on our own selfish demands. There is a huge difference between fighting in a "self-righteous" attitude and fighting for a righteous cause. The Word is clear that standing firm on the promises of our faith and doing battle for those who cannot defend themselves is responding to a call from God. To stand by while the innocent are slaughtered or to look the other way while the weak suffer is not a sign of spiritual superiority. "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matt. 16:25). The events of 9/11/01 remind us not of the evil that came in the unrighteous acts of a few, but the battle waged by the souls of the innocent and the warriors who fought for the lives of others which forever will remind us of the value of fighting for a righteous cause.