When the shooting in the Charleston, South Carolina, church was first reported, Americans expressed outrage and remorse for such a senseless act. Today reporters gave us glimpses into the lives of those mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who were killed. And a drape of sorrow covers the land.
However, grieving family members have risen above Dylann Roof’s hatred by offering him forgiveness. The love of Christ that had drawn the victims to church has now been manifested in the world through their families. Their words are those of the Savior who said, “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34), as He hung on a cross dying for all sinners.
By living out their faith in God and by extending the forgiveness of Christ to Roof these families have overcome hate. They are people of great sorrow, pain, and anguish through which the light of God’s love now shines in the world. They have shown the depth of their commitment to the Lord by living according to His Word. Their message is full of the power of the Holy Spirit, “But I tell you: Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44).
Have you been wondering where God is during this time? He is abiding with the grief-stricken families and revealing Christ’s loving presence to the world through them. Through their suffering, Christ is made visible in the lives of these families who have chosen to “do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27).
“Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8).
Photo by Cerqueira
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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