I wrote this in response to the shootings in Oregon a couple years ago – almost two years exactly. Some thought it was helpful, so I share it here in light of the shootings in Las Vegas, which has been called “the worst mass shooting in U.S. recorded history.”
3 ways for Christians to respond to tragedies.
These are three, which come to my mind this morning. Certainly we can assist where we have resources and there is need, but we can always do these three.
Pray sincerely.
Pray for the victims and their families. Pray for the people who live in the area. Tragedies like this always shake a community even more than the broader world. Pray for the response of government and law officials. Pray for our world.
These are desperate times. Pray for the Gospel to have opportunities to shine through darkness. “And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7)
Remember our position.
This world is not our home. It’s what we preach every week in our churches. We who believe are here on temporary assignment. We are pilgrims on a journey – passing through as we head towards our eternal home.
Our God is on His throne. He is not surprised. He is not unprepared. “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1-4)
Overcome evil with good.
What if with every tragedy and every negative news report believers decided to do something good for others? Not requested. Unexpected. Just random acts of goodness in the name of Jesus Christ.
What if we displayed peace and joy in the midst of sorrow? What if others who have no faith saw us who believe responding in faith? “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:21)
It is natural for children to respond with fear when they see these type tragedies. I wrote an article in hopes it is helpful dealing with children during tragedies.
We can also rejoice, according to James 1:2ff, that we are no different than other Christians around the world who suffer for their faith every day. We mourn with the families of those who died, and yet we rejoice that there were those faithful to stand up for Christ in the face of the threat of their mortal lives. Although this aspect is being ignored by some giving account, it has been well documented and noticed that Christians were martyred for their faith. They didn't seek it. They simply bore testimony that Christ is Lord of their lives rather than the world that hates them enough to seek their death. The words of Martin Luther in one of my favorite hymns come to mind:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever.
Amen