By Karl Vaters
[Editor’s Note: This article was originally published following the Orlando tragedy, but its message rings remarkably true for every act of evil we encounter and in the COVID-19 season.]
In trying to make sense of events like this, we’re all capable of saying something stupid.
Christians are no exception to this. Sometimes we say dumb things. Things that hurt when we’re trying to help.
In this, and other past events (sadly, there are just so many of them) I’ve noticed five dumb things Christians tend to say.
1. “This is an opportunity for the church…”
Evil acts are not opportunities. They’re just evil.
Can God redeem them? Of course. That’s the central principle of the gospel—how the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus overcame evil with good.
But when we use words like ‘opportunity’ we sound—well—opportunistic.
This is not the time to look for an angle. It’s time for prayer, grief, compassion and love without agenda.
Of course, it’s always time for that. But now more than ever.
2. “This is God’s wrath for…”
We live in a sinful, broken world. We’re the ones who broke it. And we break it a little more every day.
Evil acts, like the terrorism of last weekend, are prime evidence of that brokenness and of our inherent sinfulness. The sinfulness we all share.
No matter why the terrorist targeted that club, one thing is clear: He wasn’t sent by God.
If you think he was, then you have to be in favor of what happened. No believer in the Prince of Peace can do that.
