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Pastor's Page

Posted on October 19, 2006 ...

The tragic story of the killing of several Amish schoolgirls has touched all our hearts. In the aftermath of the shootings, it has been most impressive to see how the Amish people reacted to such heartache and injustice. Instead of responding with bitterness, they have reached out to the family of the killer, inviting them to come and share in the time of grief. As a Christian, their response makes me proud because they are demonstrating the mind, heart, and actions of Jesus. Yet even non-Christians have been impressed with their behavior.

Could it be that one reason the church seems to have less and less an impact on our own pagan culture is that we don't often look as much like Jesus? Prayerfully, there are a few good lessons for everyone, especially Christians, to learn, remember, and implement.

First, holding a grudge has no redeeming value. There's nothing good we can say about a grudge. Grudges are destructive. Revenge is not sweet. It is really sour. Revenge, as scripture says, is best left in the hands of God. Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Romans 12:19b)

Second, forgiveness works. A cycle of hurt does not end until someone is willing to absorb the pain for the sake of healing. That, in a nutshell, is the gospel. Jesus absorbed the pain of our sins so that we could experience forgiveness. Unwillingness to forgive others means we do not understand our own forgiveness: For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV) I am not saying we can turn off the feelings of hurt and injustice. But we can, with God?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s help, act in forgiving ways. It is grace that brings ultimate healing.

Finally, good overcomes evil. There are evil forces in this world that sometimes cause us pain. We face the choice either to respond to anger with anger, to let pain breed more pain, or to confront evil with good. Hate begets hate. When we respond to hate with hate we become like the ones we hate. The only way to overcome evil is with good. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21 NIV)

We are called to a higher way of living. May God help us as Christians to press on the upward way?¢‚Ǩ¬¶to Higher Ground. - Jay