Major news outlets are now reporting that an Islamic group named Thowheed Jamath is responsible for the bombings in Sri Lanka.
Here are three suggestions as to how the followers of Jesus Christ should respond:
With calm, resolve and steadfastness
Christians should never be surprised when people in the world respond to our beliefs and convictions with anger; Jesus predicted that this would be the case. He said:
“Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20 ESV)
“In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33 ESV)
Now is not the time for you to take shelter in your fortress of canned goods. Now is the time for you to show the world that we have a hope that is stronger than death. Now is the time for you to show the world what resurrection faith looks like. Now is the time for you to bear reproach for the sake of the name.
So stay calm, stand your ground and keep the faith.
Jesus said this would happen.
He said, “you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:13 ESV)
With love, mercy and forgiveness
Christians do not return evil for evil.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43–45 ESV)
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” (Romans 12:17 ESV)
Therefore, brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka, do not arm yourself or plan violent reprisals against the Muslim community in your country. Rather, overwhelm your neighbours with acts of love, mercy and human kindness.
And brothers and sisters in the West, be careful what you say online. Avoid sweeping generalizations. Avoid a fortress mentality. Do not stop showing love and Gospel concern to your Muslim neighbour.
Our job as Christians is to shine the light – and the darker this world gets the easier that is for us to do. Therefore, turn the other cheek, pray for your enemies and do good to those who persecute you.
With thanksgiving and support for the magistrate who is God’s servant to execute wrath upon the evildoer
God tells individuals to return good for evil, but he has a very different message for human magistrates:
“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:3–4 ESV)
The “magistrate” does not bear the sword in vain.
God gives extraordinary powers to governments and magistrates so that they may restrain evil and carry out his wrath against the wrongdoer.
Christians should be thankful for the wisdom of that provision!
Therefore, let the magistrate do his work.
Let them hunt down the wrongdoers and bring them to justice.
And let us pray that these people will find peace in the Lord through Jesus Christ before that happens.
SDG,
Pastor Paul Carter
To listen to Paul’s Into The Word devotional podcast visit the TGC Canada website; you can also find it on iTunes.