Let me start off by saying I am a Christian. I turned my life over to Jesus Christ when I was 9 years old. Growing up, I felt as if the world couldn't touch me because I had this awesome relationship with God. However, as I got older and began to study the word in much more detail, I discovered life and my faith are a lot more complicated.
However, I will tell you something that isn't complicated to understand—Christian or nonbeliever—what happened in Orlando was evil. Pure, horrifying, terrifying evil.
It saddens me to see how Christians all across the globe are responding to this horrible scene.
Christians, what are we doing? God never intended for this. God would never send man to do this to one another.
Many Christians are quoting Pslams 11:5, "The Lord test the rightous." However, they are forgetting the rest of that verse.
"The Lord test the rightous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence." Pslas 11:5, ESV
God is the only one who can cast judgment on anyone, not us. It's not our job. Our job, as Christians, is to love. We are to love everyone no matter their ethnicity, religion or sexuality.
I think by worrying about whether it's right or wrong to feel bad about the shooting at a gay night club, we aren't looking at the big picture. We are forgetting about those families. The ones who were killed were sons, daughters, girlfriends, boyfriends, best friends, brothers and sisters—someone loved them. Someone is in pain right now. Our country is in pain right now.
Instead of using this time to spread hate and violence, let's do what God put us on this earth for—let's love. Let's pray like we've never prayed before. Let's help one another. Do you want to bring people to the Lord? Well, this is the way to do it.
Now, I'm not saying all Christians are reacting in this negative way. There are some people and organizations I truly admire right now. For example, Chick-fil-A in Orlando opened its doors on Sunday, something they have never done before, to send food to the blood drives going on across Orlando.
Despite whether they agree with the lifestyle of the victims, this corporation chose not to turn their backs and hold a grudge. Instead, they chose to show love and support. Something all Christians should try to do.
Another example is a pastor out of Ohio, Dave Bever, who has gone viral for his video explaining how Christians should respond to the shootings. His live video can be found on his Facebook profile. In it, he says, "Yes, we believe what the Bible says. No, we don't endorse sinful lifestyles. But I'm going to tell you right now, what happened in Orlando, Florida was an act of hate, terrorism and violence."
God loves everyone. It doesn't matter what lifestyle they live, it doesn't matter who they choose to love—all that matters is that they are hurting. Instead of hiding away and holding judgment, it is time to stand up.
I love you, Orlando. I love your families and victims. I am praying for you. I am fighting with you.
Because we are #OrlandoStrong
