With the recent tragedy in Orlando, numerous posts and statements have been made by many different people, all sharing their opinions on gun control, the LGBT community, Muslims and terrorism. While a large majority of our nation has come together to support and honor those who had their lives tragically taken from them, a few radical groups have done nothing of the sort. And one of those groups are some so-called "Christians" who have decided to condone and support the acts of the shooter at Pulse.
While I want to make it clear that it is a small group of "Christians" participating in these views, the fact that they have all made media headlines means that many of you have probably seen or heard of what I'm talking about. Some "Christians" are claiming that the killing of 50 innocent people should be supported and that it was done in Jesus's name. They are putting God's stamp of approval on the murder of these lives because they belonged, or potentially belonged, to the LGBT community.
And that is one of the most inaccurate, disgusting and horrible viewpoints that I have ever heard. It could not be farther from the truth.
These radical groups claiming to be "Christians" are so backwards and messed up. They have no right to claim anything in Jesus's name, especially when they are preaching a message that is full of hatred.
Jesus loves all of us an immense amount, but he also loves us all the same. His desire for our lives is that we would have as long as we possibly can to get to know Him and to build His kingdom and invest in other people. He wants us to experience joy and rich, full lives. Claiming anything different is simply not biblical nor loving. Jesus is love, so claiming that He desired 50 of His children, whom He loves so dearly, to be killed is a repulsive statement and idea.
It needs to be understood that regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, Jesus's goal for our lives is that we would understand the richness of His grace, power and love. He loves every single one of us more deeply and more fully than we could ever imagine.
So, with that being said, some may be asking how a loving God could allow such a tragedy to occur. Where was He during the Orlando shooting and in the days following?
Horrible things happen to us because we live in a fallen and broken world. We live in a world covered with sin and with the power of Hell trying to win every situation and conquer God. We live in a world where terrorism, death, illness and tragedies exist because sin and brokenness exist here as well.
But because Jesus also reigns over this world and everything in it, we are able to have hope and trust in the fact that he has been all over these horrible situations. Where was He during the Orlando shooting? He was seen through the kindness of others. He was seen through the people who stood in line for seven hours to donate blood. He was seen in the forces who protected and defended a community in need. He was seen in the various other communities who came together to honor and support those who had died. The people who have reached out to the families of those who lost loved ones. He was present with love.
So, in the same way that one Muslim does not represent an entire faith, these few radical "Christians" do not represent Jesus. He loves the Orlando 50. His heart breaks for His hurting children. He experiences our pain. He is a constant presence in this world and He has been all over these recent events. So, let us follow His example and love the victims, love the families, and love the community.
Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
