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Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Romans 12:15b ….weep with those who weep.
Many of you heard the news that there was yet another school shooting. My heart sank and it felt like a hit in the gut as reports came back that more children were killed. Being my wife is an elementary school teacher and we have grandchildren, this tragedy feels even more personal. What if that would have been my wife’s school, my grandkids’ school, a school in our community? Yet, it was very personal to those families of Covenant Christian School in Nashville, Tennessee. Please pray for the families of the six people and for the family of the shooter. Pray also for the school community as parents, teachers, and administrators wrestle with grief, safety, and fear. Please pray for the community around the school as they deal with this assault on their quality of life. Pray for the state of Tennessee as I heard the governor challenged people to pray now, instead of making this a political issue.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing,
What has also been another tragedy in all this is how quickly people have sought to leverage this horrible event for political gain. Yes, there are things government, both local and national, can and should do to protect our most vulnerable. People in positions of authority and influence should ask questions as to how something like this keeps happening and what can be done to prevent such tragedies. There is a time for that, but not now. Now is a time for compassion, care, concern, and feeling with those most closely affected by this horrific event. God calls us to empathy.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
I know it’s tough with the buildup of emotions to not vent off in anger, yet God challenges us with patience, and to use our energies to show care, kindness, and love and to pray. The fires of anger, hate, name calling, blame, and ridicule only create devastation and more hurt and pain. There is too much of that. Be different. Be loving. Be kind. Prayer and compassion matter.
Church can be a helpful place to foster prayer and compassion. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together. We would love for you to join us especially around this Easter season. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.
Praying and seeking to be more compassionate along with you,
Mike McKay, Lead Pastor, Neighborhood Church
