We have all probably heard about the tragic killings in Florida. Evil is truly present in this world.

As difficult as it is for us as humans to understand, the answer to this evil is not vengeance, or fear, but love. It starts with the love God showed us, to receive eternal life, and continues through us with the love for each other, especially those who are left behind by the fallen, and finally the, near humanly impossible, love for our enemies like those who commit this evil.

About revenge, Romans 12:19 says, “Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.” Securing ourselves and our loved ones is not revenge, nor is finding and destroying evil, but lashing out in emotional rage is.

And fear, Luke 12:4-5 says, “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.”

And love, Matthew 5:44 says, “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

In John, the followers of Jesus asked What should we do? and in John 6:29 Jesus says, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

We cannot understand why God allows this type of evil to occur, but we pray for peace and comfort to the grieving, and hope for salvation of those who were killed.

We pray for protection from these events in the future. Though, we do not know what the future holds, we know who holds the future.

Dear Lord, we do not understand your plan, often times. Help us however to do our part by believing and trusting in you so that we will not fear, but love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.