My heart goes out to the people of Charleston, South Carolina, especially the congregation of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church grieving the tragic loss of nine precious souls. Scripture urges us to “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12:9 ESV) Perhaps, in the light of this most recent tragedy on our own soil, in our own backyard, on our home turf, it might appear difficult to find the good amidst the cloud of darkness that evil brings. Charleston, know that we weep with you, as you weep. We cannot afford to let hate and evil overtake us. The Apostle Paul urges us not to be overcome by evil but to overcome evil with good. Is it hard? Yes. Is it difficult? Absolutely. It is at times, an unbearable cross to bear. I cannot imagine the excruciating pain you must be feeling. But, as a fellow believer and brother in Christ, I urge you to remain steadfast in the hope of the One who is in us, for He is the reason for our hope and the true source of our greatest comfort during these most challenging of times. The late Dr. King urged us not to let evil to cause us to respond with violence, but to always seek peace, and let our love shine, regardless of the circumstance or tribulation we might be faced with. People of Charleston, know that you are not alone. We are grieving with you, mourning your loss as we would grieve our own. I hope you can find solace in the unity of believers who are persistently lifting you up in prayer during these most difficult of days. He who is in you is greater than whatever is against you. If God is for us, who, then, can stand against us? Our prayers are with you Charleston. We stand with you.
Following Jesus in 21st Century America
The Devotional Guy™ 