We Need to Stop, Pray, and Be Kind

In light of the events of this past weekend and an attempt made to assassinate a former President, I felt the need to share something different on the blog this week. One to remind us to stop and pray. There is nothing God cannot do.

There is a lot of uneasiness right now. Perhaps even more so than before. Multiple stories are being shared, details changing almost daily, and a focus on ending violence and being kind to others from all parties. When are we going to start living with a sense of kindness?

We live in a fallen world. There is more evidence daily and it can be hard to wrap your head around. Our world is broken and wounded. Our world desperately needs the love of a Sovereign Savior.

Friends, it starts with you and me. We all share our unique differences. We have different beliefs and values. Whether they are political, religious, or something else, there is not one item that demands violence. There is no need for violence, yet our world is filled with it.

If it’s not gun violence, it’s violence with our words or our actions. I’m sure you see it, or you may experience it in your workplaces, your communities, or even in your homes. It’s heartbreaking. It causes anxiety and worry.

Children are growing up today amid chaos. Learning that you don’t have to be kind to others. That it’s all about “me.” Speaking words they hear on TV and behaving the way they see in video games or on social media. Friends, we have to do better.

Not only do our children deserve better, but we must choose kindness for each other’s sake. We need to fall to our knees and pray for those in leadership roles. Those governing our local political realms, but also for those leading our country. Even if we don’t agree with everything they say.

Regardless of Democrat or Republican, they are still human beings. Created in the image of God and will one day face the ultimate judgment like you and I. We should be praying for their eternity, not judging the way they lead their lives. None of us are without sin.

The situation this past weekend could have ended so much differently, but it still ended in upheaval and with lost lives. One gave their life to protect family and one died because they were doing something so unthinkable - attempting to kill someone else. It’s devastating. I know you feel the same feeling of sadness. Others are hospitalized and many will never forget the sights and sounds they heard in those horrible moments.

I pray that you will join me in praying for our country this week. For all of the leaders and individuals, and everyone involved in working in the political realm. Be strong and courageous as a Jesus follower. Choose to extend love to those around you. We are all walking through some sort of difficult season and healing from something. Even a small act of kindness can develop into something bigger that could impact communities and in turn our nation. Choose to love instead of hate.

And as I’ve been reminded through reading the Old Testament lately, there was much upheaval years and years ago before the Messiah entered the world. Jesus reminded us before his crucifixion that there would be trouble in our world. Jesus promised that he had overcome this trouble, and he would return one day soon. Continue the fight dear ones. We are in this together. Revival is coming.

2 Chronicles 15: 1-8, New Living Translation

Then the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded, and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from the battle. “Listen to me, Asa!” he shouted. “Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without the Law to instruct them. But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found him.

“During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land. ****Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem. But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.”

When Asa heard this message from Azariah the prophet, he took courage and removed all the detestable idols from the land of Judah and Benjamin and in the towns he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. And he repaired the altar of the Lord, which stood in front of the entry room of the Lord’s Temple.