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What Christian Love Really Looks Like

 

 

What Christian Love Really Looks Like

In the wake of the terrible tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, we are well advised to reflect on chapter 12 of the letter to the Romans (ch12.9-21) in which Paul outlines what Christian love really looks like.

First, our love is to be genuine. It is to be authentic and not part of some ritual performance—as often happens in the wake of such all too common tragedies. 

It is not enough to say that these people are in our thoughts and prayers and to extend to them words of condolence. We need to incarnate these sentiments in an active response that goes beyond words with actions that are zealous and ardent, actions that persevere and do not pass as the tragedy is forgotten; actions that are practical and concrete.

Second, genuine Christian love does not allow itself to fall into the ‘blame game trap’ that so often follows such terrible events. 

We Christians are not to allow ourselves to be so consumed by anger and hatred that we lash out at those found responsible for inflicting such misery. 

Just as we are to love the victims of such tragedies, we are not to curse the perpetrator.  Paul calls upon us not to repay evil with evil or to rush to judgement.   We are to leave judgement to God. We are to reach out in compassion to those who do harm, so that we might overcome evil with good.

Let us pray: 

‘Loving God, our hearts are heavy with grief for the lives lost, the families shattered, and the innocence stolen.

We lift up every student, teacher, and community member who now carries the weight of fear and sorrow. Wrap them in Your peace that surpasses understanding. Bring comfort to those who are mourning, strength to those who are weary, and hope to those who are brokenhearted. Guide the hands of all who are offering care. Give wisdom to all leaders who are seeking to prevent such tragedies.

May love rise where hatred has struck. May we, as a community, be instruments of Your healing and light. Amen.’

Norman+

 

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Textile Art, km