We live in a scary world. Every day senseless acts of violence penetrate our hearts and petrify our spirits. There is this audible, collective cry to God, “Why is this happening?”
No one senseless act does so more than a school shooting. “There must be something we can do,” we say.
The truth is, there’s never just one thing we can do. The problems plaguing our society and forcing fear to ripple through our communities are not easily solved.
They require real conversation and multifaceted responses, neither of which are quick or easy. In reality, there is no way to eliminate violence, no way to truly insulate our children, no way to eradicate the fear.
As hopeless as this may sound, however, as Christ-followers a foundation of hope is the very thing with which we much start when responding to violence. In Paul’s letter to the Hebrews he writes, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.” We cannot allow hope to be driven out of our lives by these senseless acts of violence.
However, this foundation must be built upon. Jesus pointed to Peter when He said, “Upon this rock I will build my church.” Peter proved to be, despite his imperfections, a good foundation for the church. In the same way, hope serves as the necessary foundation for us to build our response to violence.
When violence happens, no matter where, we are called to mourn. Much like Job’s friends, we must be willing to sit in sadness with those being impacted. Before we march, before we place blame, before we even speak, we should respect the reality that there are lives that have been forever changed. With no defined timetable we mourn the loss of life, innocence and security.
After we mourn we are called to mend. We extend forgiveness, identifying the brokenness and healing what and where we can. This may be the most difficult response, and yet it may also be the most important. As Christ extended forgiveness to an undeserving world, we must do the same in the face of violence. It is through our forgiveness that we can stand up to violence and speak truth.
Which leads us to move. We are called to act, refusing to sit idly by while violence rules the day; we must do something to change the worldly course. Scripture teaches us that faith by itself isn’t enough, action is required.
If good people aren’t willing to pursue and pour goodness into this world, then evil will inevitably win. Know that you are all uniquely gifted to make a difference in the world.
Violence will continue to cause chaos, but it requires a calculated response. Upon a foundation of hope we respond by mourning, then mending, and finally by moving. Yes, it sounds simple, but it is far from it. We walk this path humbly and honestly, seeking to do the will of our Heavenly Father. Lord, have mercy.
Ethan Maple is lead pastor of the Movie Theater Church that meets in Mt. Comfort. This weekly column is written by local clergy members. Send comments to [email protected].
