We can be angry at the action. But we must not hate in our reaction. Right now, there is a lot of division in our world. There are also actions being done that go against God. It can be so easy to be angry in the pursuit for justice or in the defense of God. Though in our anger we must be careful to not become the very thing God tells us not to. We can be angry at the action, especially about those things that go against God, but we must not place justice in our hands. I recently heard something along the lines that said the biggest act of mercy, is giving it to those who deserve it least. God calls us to love; the rest is in His hands. We don’t need to agree or support it. We can be angry, hurt or upset about it. Those are normal feelings, called for at certain times. We also can defend what’s right, the truth, and protect our loved ones and ourselves from things or people that are unsafe or that go against God. There is also a purpose in the judicial legal system. Though nowhere in the Bible does it say to resent, but it does say to forgive. This isn’t just for them, but for our hearts to stay closer to God. It doesn’t say to take vengeance, it says that vengeance is the Lord’s. God will set things right, in His way and in His time. It doesn’t say to hate, but to love. Love, because He loved us. This is hard, for so many of us. But I think of Paul, formerly Saul in the Bible. If someone had improperly taken justice inappropriately in their hands, because of his crimes, that beautiful story of redemption wouldn’t exist. I think of us, all of us as sinners that deserved no grace, no mercy. Yet, God, sent His son to die for us. Jesus tortured on a cross, for our crime that He did not commit. God knows things we do not and justice is always in His hands. It is our job to not be ruled by the brokenness of sin, but allow His love through us, to shine brighter then the darkness of it.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Love and forgiveness

Romans 12:17-19 NIV

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 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.

Colossians 3:13 NIV

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Micah 6:8 NIV

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.