Sermon 158 "How To Be Gentle in a Violent World"

Our hearts go out to the victims in the horrible shooting spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Jesus Christ brings the world peace, love, and joy. The demonic forces generate hatred, war, rape, sadism, vandalism, and painful harm to innocent people.

Brutal sports. Managerial intimidation. Violent video games. Slasher films. Warmongering. Torture. Rape. Cyber-bullying. Financial fraud. Ruthless competition. Sexist domineering. Con artists. All are forms of mental or physical violence. We are immersed in it.

As Christians, we must examine ourselves and see if we contribute to the violence of this world. Do we have traces of anger, revenge, retaliation, or other negative quality within?

We must walking softly, speak kindly, move gracefully, treating every object and being with great respect and tenderness, as much as possible.

Rarely will we be justified in being harsh, inflammatory, or rough toward another person, idea, or organization.

Speaking the truth in love, the servant of the Lord must not strive and argue, but be gentle to all, apt to teach, patient.

Pray for the victims' families, school, community, and caregivers involved in this tragic event.

Let us go to the holy Word of God for comfort and guidance in how to be more peaceful and sweet to all who share our world.