Verse I Like:

Weekly Dose

We live in a fallen world. This is never more evident than when tragedy strikes. In moments like these, it can feel as though there is every reason or justification to commit sin—but it is imperative that we aim upward. We have the moral obligation to “stay on the path,” especially when we feel we have a reason not to.

What could possibly happen that would justify turning against your Creator and Being itself? Ask yourself honestly, and you’ll see how absurd the notion is. Why would we choose to partake in evil as a way of trying to combat or rectify evil?

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is without question a tragedy—a great loss to the country, to the world, and to rational discourse itself. Not to mention the brutality and virality that accompanied this horrific act.

Despite the level of evil surrounding this act, it is imperative, particularly for those of us at the center or on the right of the aisle, not to be pulled into retaliatory, violent political actions. When they crucified Christ, even He prayed for His persecutors’ forgiveness.

This is how we endure. By spreading the very message Charlie repeated again and again: the gospel, the good news, the story of our Lord. In doing so, we refuse to repay evil with evil. In this way, Joseph’s words may be lived out: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)

Quotes I Like:

Mane Message

In the Old Testament, in the days when Saul was king, David was hunted because Saul was filled with jealous rage. And though David had been anointed king, he was fleeing for his life, pursued like an outlaw by Saul.

One night, while hiding deep in a cave, David seemed to catch a lucky break. None other than King Saul wandered into the very cave where David and his men were hiding. David’s men fully expected him to strike Saul down—it was the perfect opportunity.

But David’s heart knew what was right. He crept forward and cut the corner of Saul’s robe. Even that small act troubled him, and he rebuked himself, saying he should not have dared to touch his master, the Lord’s anointed. David later showed this to Saul, and Saul was grateful.

David’s choice defies all reason and logic when morality is taken out of the equation. He refused to grasp power by his own will. He refused to satiate himself with revenge against Saul. He resisted the urge to do what was wrong, even when he was being treated unjustly, and killing Saul made sense by essentially every metric—but one.

Though David was being oppressed, he chose to aim upward and not let injustice, strife, and suffering lead him into sin, which only multiplies such circumstances.

This theme of righteousness, despite one’s circumstances, is found throughout the Bible in the stories of Job, Joseph, Daniel, and, of course, Jesus. Despite every reason to turn to sin, it is our obligation to cling to the Almighty and resist temptation. This precedent is rarely more important than in times like these.

Weekly Ponder

Am I more focused on defending my pride and reputation, or on honoring God by choosing restraint and forgiveness?

With the belief that God can and does bring good from evil, how does that change my perspective on tragedy and suffering?

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