Romans 8:15-17
For you did not receive a spirit that makes
you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him
we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit
that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of
God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order
that we may also share in his glory.
We were all shocked to hear of the
mass shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Spring, Texas. There is
no way to explain an incident like this. Our hearts go out to that congregation
and to those families. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ and we
mourn with them.
In
the face of an incident like this, we experience many mixed emotions. Our first
response may be disbelief. How could anyone attack a church as they are
worshiping? Our disbelief may quickly change into anger and frustration. We
will be tempted to rush to “solutions” that punish the innocent along with the
guilty. Ultimately, our hearts will turn to fear. This is the place that Satan
wants us to go. He wants us to circle the wagons to protect ourselves, and in
so doing, isolate ourselves from the world we have been called to reach for
Christ.
So
what should be our response to this horrendous event. Paul’s words to the
Romans can help to guide us.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be
devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be
joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's
people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with
those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one
another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low
position. Do not be conceited.
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. Romans 12:9-21
Let me suggest several things to lead us forward.
- Pray for the community of Sutherland Springs and for
the congregation of First Baptist. Ask God to enfold them in His arms of love
and to bring the comfort only He can provide. Send a letter to the congregation expressing your prayers and your desire to stand with
them during this difficult time.
- Refuse to give in to fear, which will either immobilize
us or lead us to respond in anger.
- Stand firm in our faith and resist the temptation to
isolate ourselves. The best way to dispel the darkness of our world is to shine
the light of Christ’s love brightly into our world.
- Be intentional about engaging those around us in
positive ways. It has been said that the most effective way of defeating your
enemy is to make him your friend.
- Live exemplary lives in our community. The more that we
live out our faith in practical ways, the more we can transform our community.
- Put our trust in the grace and power of Christ.
Although we cannot protect ourselves from all potential evil that could be done
against us, we can stand firm in the power of Christ. Our hope, our lives, our
eternity is in His hands. We can trust Him to give us the grace we need to face
any challenge.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in
me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I
have overcome the world.”
No comments:
Post a Comment