1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Yesterday in Paris we witnessed another example of the evil that the devil can convince men to conduct. We see the same occurring in the Middle East with the evil taking place by ISIS. It is easy for these things to stir up hate in us, for these people, but we must not hate. When we hate, we are being taken over by the same evil power that motivates these terrorists.

How easy it is for me to say, when I did not lose loved ones in this attack, but we all have heard Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:44, “love your enemies.” Paul writes in Romans 12:19, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written; “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”

However, I believe it is our duty as a nation to actively defend ourselves and others from this evil. Not out of revenge, but out of love and care for each other.

Our anger should be toward the source of the evil, the devil. Our best defense and offense is a strong faith in God, who has complete control of all. Proverbs 15:3 says, “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.” and verse 11, “Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord” We don’t know why God let this happen, but we must remember, He is God and we are not.

Dear Lord, we know you have control over all things, but we struggle sometimes to understand why this type of event is in your plans. Help us have faith and trust in you anyway, and share that faith with others. Comfort those who have lost loved ones, and give strength, wisdom and courage to those who search for the perpetrators and those who work to defend us against this evil in other parts of the world. Maybe this tragedy can open hearts to you in these regions that have have turned from you in recent years. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.