Stand With Charleston

I never thought this would happen here, not where I lived. Hateful and violent attacks that appear on the national news happen other places not 20 minutes from me. But the sad and painful reality is that hate is abundant in this world, it is everywhere--even in our own backyards. My heart aches. I wonder what kind of person could do this to innocent people? I wonder how a person could be so broken and cruel that he would kill nine innocent men and women in cold blood. I have prayed asking for the right words to address this tragic event. I will not promise that these words will be the best but I could not leave them unsaid.Brothers and sisters our hearts all hurt and are heavy with this violent and cruel tragedy. Hearts around Charleston are heavy, hearts around the country are heavy, and God's heart is heavy. The families of the nine killed are not alone in their grieving--in fact the God that those nine people gathered to worship is grieving right beside them. Holding them in his hands and working to make good come from this. But their suffering, hurt and pain will remain with them so we must be faithful to our brothers and sisters and pray for them.I pray that they recognize God's loving presence surrounding them. I pray that they know their loved ones are safe forever with God in heaven. I pray that despite the evilness of this crime they do not repay evil for evil (Romans 12) and allow hate into their hearts, but instead let God's love fill them up and over flow. I pray that we as brothers and sisters are faithful to these families and remind them that love and goodness is still very present in this world. I pray that they know they are not alone. I pray that God blesses them and holds them deep in the healing part of his heart. I pray that these families who are walking in the valley of the shadow of death shall fear no evil for God is with them every step of the way (Psalm 23). I pray that God's love will sustain them. And I pray that we all have hope and believe these words: "all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).My beautiful sisters and brothers in Christ, this is a tragedy. Evil is so present in this world. Please love one another and show love to everyone you meet. I know and I have so much hope that goodness, light and love will always triumph over evil, darkness and hatred. We have been taught by our fairy tales and by our religion that GOOD ALWAYS CONQUERS EVIL--LOVE WILL ALWAYS WIN. As our Lord and Savior said: "I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" (John 16:33). God is with these families, with this community and with this nation. God will never forsake God's own children. Just remember, God is with us and for us never against us.We have been issued a call, one that is by no means easy--especially in a circumstance like this. But we are called to love. Yes, even our enemies (Matthew 5:44).Romans 12:17-21"Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible,so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' No, 'if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."We cannot let this world and the evil people in it harden our hearts. We must spread God's love. We must face the evil in this world and stand up against it--we know the end of this story, good is going to win evil is going to lose. Brothers and sisters stand together in unity of love. Defend what is good and stand for what is right.Sisters and brothers take heart for this world has been conquered by the One who loves us with an unconditional love, Jesus. May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.