WHAT IS OUR RESPONSE?

                France continues to reel from the events of last week, when Islamic militants attacked Charlie Hebdo and massacred twelve people, then engaged in a stand-off with police and security forces, resulting in the deaths of four more innocent people at a Jewish grocery. The world was appalled by yet another senseless act of violence. The world of journalism feels especially violated. They have rallied around the slogan “Je suis Charlie” or “I am Charlie.”

                In the aftermath of this horrible tragedy, a confusing mix of conflicting messages has emerged. On one hand, we hear loud cries for the protection of free speech. On the other hand, we hear loud cries to clamp down on hate speech. If we could step back, and look objectively at what precipitated this event, we can see that the lines are very fuzzy between free speech and hate speech. The kinds of things published by Charlie Hebdo, from an objective vantage point, can be seen as hate speech. Yet, journalists all over the world are lining up behind their right to publish it.

                Let me be very clear. There is no excuse for the actions of those who took the lives of the people working at Charlie Hebdo. No words or cartoons, no matter how offensive, warrant the actions taken. The question remains, as Christians, how do we respond?

                Jesus made it very clear that our response must be one of compassion. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made a radical declaration. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

                How do we live this out, in light of events like Charlie Hebdo? First, we must refuse to give in the hate. Anger is our emotional response to this tragedy. Hate gives substance to our anger and leads us down a dark path. Hate breeds hate. We are all destroyed when hate is given a free reign. If we let hate take over, Satan wins. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20

                Second, we need to pray for all of those affected. We need to pray for God’s comfort for those who lost loved ones. We need to pray for those radicalized by Islam, that their eyes would be opened to the truth of Christ. We need to pray that the peace of Christ would reign in this situation.

                Third, we need to extend God’s grace in whatever way we can. Justice must be done, but grace must also abound. Again, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us to not take matters into our own hands, but respond to injustice with grace. "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:38-42

                Paul echoed Jesus’ words in Romans 12:17-21. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

                We are rightly outraged by the events that took place in Paris. We need to take a stand against such violence. At the same time, we must be careful not to throw gasoline on the fire. As Paul so rightly states, do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.