To be honest, I have struggled to write what I feel God has placed on my heart. Recently I have been reminded of the evil that is so prevalent in our culture. God is a God of Justice, and these things must break His heart. Certainly, God is grieved with the killing of innocent life. God is grieved when care is not given to the widow, the orphan, and the “least of these”. Certainly, God is grieved when Christians are arrested and persecuted for expressing their faith. God is grieved when people commit violent crimes against others. God is grieved when people steal from others, manipulating the system for their own benefit. There seems to be corruption everywhere. Certainly, God is grieved when sexuality is perverted, and our children’s minds are twisted by ungodly ideals. The list goes on and on. We become numb to it all.
Our hearts should break for what breaks the heart of God. If we as Christians don’t stand against evil in our society, then who will?
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
We should do all we can, and… we should pray for the evildoer and their victims.
God is a God of Justice… (Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 89:11) and… God is equally a God of Love (I John 4:16). As much as He is grieved by evil and the sin in each one of us, He made a way for redemption by the death of Christ on the cross. Judgement day will come, but for now God is reaching out in mercy and grace.
We must do the same. As individuals and as a church, we stand against evil, but we stand with arms outstretched, hoping to reach a world that is lost. In love, we must be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Jesus is described as full of grace and truth (John 1:14). He displayed the perfect balance between justice and love. As Christians, we are to tell the truth, but always in love (Ephesians 4:15). Again, the goal is to balance justice with love and love with justice.
Many Christians want to focus on one extreme or the other, making God out to be weak and indifferent to sin or God being cruel and a bully. To be clear, justice will be served… and… love will win through the sacrificial, substitutional death of Christ on the Cross.
2 Peter 3:9 the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Let’s pray, God help us to stand against the corruption, perversion, and injustice of this world, to not sit idly by while evil doers go unchecked. And help us to stand in love for a world that is lost, deceived and victimized. Help us to tell the truth in love, for we are all recipients of your mercy. For it is in Jesus’ name we pray and live. Amen
Pastor Vern