Colossians 3:12 Therefore,
as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
The outpouring of love and
compassion that I’ve seen on the internet after the Orlando Massacre has both
humbled and deeply touched me. I know that there are still some ignorant folks
venting their spleens and spreading hate, but their voices are diminishing and
their influence is negligible. What I’ve seen are many photographs of people from
all over the world attending candle lit vigils and showing their compassionate unity
with the victims and families of the dreadful shooting. It will never take away
the loss and pain that the affected friends and families will always feel, but
it will offer a level of comfort and support in the midst of their agonizing
grief.
Religious congregations and secular companies,
people of faith and those of none, have joined together in sadness and grief,
shock and loss. It’s sad that such a level of basic goodness and unified
humanity has been engendered by a terrible tragedy; however, if we remain
united we can change and make better decisions. Sensible gun laws and
acceptable choices can be accomplished, but only if we work together toward a
brighter future for our children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. It
won’t be easy, but it can be achieved. It starts at a personal level and
continues to expand in our community, country, and world.
As Paul wrote long ago, God’s people
are meant to embrace and express compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness,
and patience. If I want to experience these in my life, it all starts with me;
if you are seeking the same, it begins with you, too.
Questions for personal reflection
How has the Orlando
Massacre affected and changed me? How can I show God’s love and compassion to
others at this time?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to become God’s
people and Your servants through personal acts of love, kindness, and
compassion to others, this day and every day onward. In Your Holy Name, we
pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin
Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to contact
him, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is John’s drawing of a Celtic Cross in rainbow colors. If you would like
to view a larger version, please click on this link: Cross.
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