Crisis and protest what should Christians do?
Devotional for June 4,2020
I am proud of the
protest! I hated the destruction as a means to loot and steal! (Stated by
Terrance Floyd brother of George Floyd). My brother is not a prop to
justify destruction and hatred. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and
clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to
one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ
forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32
Someone said
Christians should not stand by or look away, when they feel hurt or see others
hurt unjustly. As Christians, we ask ourselves what should I
do? Should I grab a sign take to the streets, protest injustice, write
letters to politicians, or say a prayer. In our hearts as Christians,
where do we start? We lead with prayer and promote peace and justice.
This Word rings true from the book of Romans 12:17-21 Repay
no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight
of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on
you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never
avenge yourselves, but leave it[a] to
the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,
says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is
hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so
doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not
be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
We have often heard the words “What would Jesus do?” this question
was addressed in the book In His Steps by Charles M.
Sheldon. The goal of the book, when faced with crisis and injustice was
to ask this question of ourselves, “What would Jesus do?”. Looking at the
events of the crucifixion of Jesus, we have the answer “What did Jesus
do?” How did Jesus handle protest and protesters?
In the night in which he was
betray by his own (Judas Iscariot) Jesus did not show hatred or bitterness.
When he was betrayed with a kiss, he did not curse Judas, but
rather went peacefully. When Peter protested, pulled a sword, and
cut off the ear of one of the soldiers, he rejected Peter’s impulse to fight
back. Instead He picked up the ear and healed the soldier right on
the spot. Jesus did not claim conspiracy or shout threats, he went with
his accusers. When Jesus was crucified, he said, Father forgive
them for they know not what they do. This is the example of
Jesus during the crisis and even his very own death. Protest has its
place but let us try to follow the example of Jesus, the next time we have the
impulsive to protest or seek revenge. The scripture powerfully
states, bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse
them. 15 Rejoice
with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live
in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty but associate with the
lowly. Romans 12:13-16 Jesus by His example is showing us how to protest in peace, I
admit this is the most difficult type of peace and justice to follow, but in
our spirit of love we are given power to overcome even the worst of
situations Pray for the peace of this nation.
If you would like to discuss this further please contact me Pastor Al @
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