Faith

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In light of recent and very disturbing events in our world, I thought it might be good to reflect on what Jesus taught us as a response to evil. Though we don't understand, and are devastated by things that occur, things over which we have no control, as Christians our responses to these events must be measured, and carefully thought over.

Our example for today? A young Amish girl, and two midwives who serve the Amish community. The girl said, "It's God's will. If it hadn't been this way, it would have been another way. It was the children's appointed time to die". I've thought about this. I believe God has a reason and a plan for everything, yet, I'm not sure if I can accept this girl's words at face value. Certainly I believe the children were watched over by God as they fell to their deaths, but I know He would never plan a thing like this.

The midwives had this to say:
"Because we have been forgiven our sins, because we are continually being forgiven our sins, we must forgive others". This is so very true! No matter what they do, for us or against us. Jesus says we have to, so we must.

The world says, "If so and so weren't already dead by his own hand, I'd help him along!". We can't respond like that. Jesus says we must repay good for evil. Any plan of revenge belongs to Him alone. Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek. It's so hard to do this, to keep the bitterness and very real anger in check. Yet, we have to. Because we were told to.

Who can know the secret thoughts, the secret horrors, of another soul? Not one of us. Only God. Why would a person repay, indeed, reap vengeance on innocents who were in no way responsible for the sorrows in his life? Only God knows.

As God's children, we have to pray for those who were lost, and we have to pray for the ones who have done the evil deeds. We have to remember their families. Somehow, we have to become more than we naturally are, and lean on the supernatural power of our Lord, and He will enable us to follow the very clear path set before us.

We don't have to understand, although most of us will work at sorting it all out.

The ones who endured the event have shown us what true Christian love is.

Thank You, Jesus! Please bless and comfort all who are involved in devastation, and lift them up, keeping them safely within Your tender heart.

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