Wars originate from the love of dominion and from cruelty, which are diametrically opposed to charity. They are permitted because mankind must live in freedom, but the Lord, using his love and wisdom, does everything he can to bend them towards good outcomes, in a way that is still consistent with the preservation of human spiritual freedom. Spiritually, 'war' in the Bible describes the personal battles we have to undertake in our own lives, fighting against the evil loves and false ideas that we're harboring, things that go against the Lord's will.

(References: Apocalypse Revealed 52; Divine Providence 251)