A Response to the Deluge of Tragedies: Where do we go from here?

After the shootings here in Minneapolis – both the political assassinations in June, and the slaughter of innocent Christian kids at the Church of the Annunciation – and now the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I’ve been reflecting on how to respond.

Those of you who’ve followed me a while, you know, I don’t like inserting my voice very quickly because, when pain is high, teachability is low. In some ways, crisis is ironically the worst time to respond. Besides, in moments like these, my mind and emotions are often all over the place. So I never respond until fear is fully crowded out of my heart. After all, wherever there’s fear, God is not there.

God is love (1 John 4:8). And perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). And perhaps you’re overwhelmed with emotions right now. If that’s you, it’s OK. But in that vulnerable state, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with demonic thoughts.

Having seen my share of tragedies, there are two truths I’ve come to know in times of crisis. And before I respond, I always remind myself of these:

(1) God’s Justice and Restitution are Absolute. For some people, this judgment from God may feel long overdue. And for the victims, his restitution might feel slow as well. But make no mistake: there is no getting away with sin. And for the victims, there is no escaping God’s restoration — unless, of course, we choose to OPT OUT of his plan by adding our own sins to it.

In fact, Jesus reminded his church (a church that was going through horrible persecution), “I will make those who [harm you]—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.” Revelation 3:9. This means God won’t merely bring justice, but he will bring a blessing of love that is so massive and undeniable that those around us will declare: “You are clearly loved by the Most High God.”

Now, this may not fully resolve the pain and anger you’re currently feeling, but as you meditate on these truths, you’ll start to feel God’s love crowding everything else out. You’ll start to feel that God always “works things together for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). Even more, you might even start to feel God’s love for your enemies… the very people who’ve been hurting you. After all, their coming judgment is so certain and awful that you’ll discover the strange desire to actually pray blessings on them (Luke 6:27-28). But it’s impossible to comprehend these behaviors until you know the Christ mentioned above in Revelation 3:9.

Yet, if we don’t allow these thoughts to sink in, we’ll be tempted to “overcome evil with more evil” (Romans 12:14, 17–21). Thus,

(2) I must choose to be a conduit of Heaven: In times of crisis, we all have a truth to share. But our default is to share these truths in a way that transmits pain to make ourselves feel more comfortable (Romans 12:17), vs. transform pain (to make the world feel better, including our enemies). As James 3:17-18 says, “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” If our “wisdom” isn’t accompanied by these attributes, then it qualifies as transmitting pain instead of transforming pain. And yes. You might be right, yet you’re “dead right” (see John 8:2-11).

So, before you say a word about current events… before you post your opinion… protest… vent… point the finger… simply ask yourself: Am I actually trusting that God will bring about perfect justice? Or, do I really only trust in myself to do it? Are my words and actions truly considerate, full of mercy, and impartial? Because if not, they won’t produce the type of harvest that you’re wanting them to produce.

Coming back to Revelation 3, when Jesus spoke to his persecuted church, it’s interesting to note that he never asked them to fight for their own justice. Instead, he gave them one command: “Hold on to what you have.” And what did they have? They would not let go of God’s words and His Name.

And I believe Jesus would say the same to you: Don’t take justice into your own hands simply because you forgot God’s promise to bring about a perfect justice. Don’t lose your witness and your crown because you feel afraid, victimized, and hurt. God sees you. And he’s got an abundance of grace ready for you.

So, “Heavenly Father, would you meet us here? Would you take our fears away from us and replace them with your perfect love? Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. May we be so filled with heaven that there’s no space left for anything else. In the precious and faithful name of Jesus. Amen.”