My heart grieves for those going through the trauma from the Las Vegas attack this week. America has been through much tragedy these past few months between the shootings and natural disasters. Many are probably wondering why there has been so much hardship for this country.
As I pray, I feel strongly there has been a sense of division in America. Division and anger are everywhere in our homes and our streets. In fact, the globe is being shaken. There is a better solution to meeting the hurting world around us. And it starts with us…
“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” Mark 3:24
A nation divided
Since Trump came into office, a great divide seems to have taken over the nation. Many have become angry over their country’s leadership.
The Bible calls us to pray for our government and leaders. Not to complain about them. God is the one who places our leaders and removes them. We shouldn’t be taking out our discontentment on each other. What good is complaining other than causing bitterness to take root?
“Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” 1 Timothy 2:2
When division takes root, anger and bitterness begin to take over. This is the start of many wars, divorces, and broken family relationships.
Las Vegas
We managed to go to Vegas this year for the first time as a family. It’s not really a family destination per say (you can read my thoughts here), but we did enjoy showing our kids the beauty of the buildings and having a glimpse of the world in one city. Many of the hotels are miniature versions of global destinations across the world. It’s pretty amazing! There is even a half-scale Eiffel tower and a Lady Liberty!
Broken places
Unfortunately, Las Vegas has been touched by a horrible tragedy. Many are asking “why another attack”? Scripture tells us “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” Romans 8:22. So if a nation is groaning under the weight of our sin and anger, how can it possibly stand?
Bitterness
The bible talks about in the end of days “sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold” Matt 24:12. As a society we seem pretty determined to do whatever it takes to make ourselves happy… but the problem is we never really are!
My daughter told me that many of the injuries were not even from the shooter in Las Vegas but from the people themselves in a panic to get out of the way.
We are have become dependent on our circumstances and other people to make us content. But the more we dependent we become on the things of the world, the more discontent and selfish we become. We become angry when we find out the ones we love cannot meet our needs. This leads to division in our homes and our nation as we begin to point fingers at each other instead of loving one another. We create bitterness when we choose to not forgive each other.
Our battle is not against flesh and blood
In the hurt, it’s important to remember “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” Ephesians 6:12.
There is a very real enemy that “comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” John 10:10. Let’s not be deceived into thinking that our neighbor, best friend, spouse or family member is the real enemy.
The truth is there is that nothing in this world can satisfy us. That is why we need our Savior to meet our hearts, transform us from the inside out. To show us His love and mercy. For love heals a multitude of sins.
So how do we make a change? We need to start in our own homes…
How to break the division in our homes
(Or how to “have mercy” in the words of Uncle Jessie:) )
- Tell the person who hurt you how you are feeling and why. Do this in a gentle timely manner. They may not respond well and that’s OK. You have released yourself and offered a bridge
- Choose to forgive them even if their reaction is not always what you hope they will be
- Continue to respond in love. Lay down your own selfish desires so pride cannot take a hold. That does not mean being taken advantage of..it just means to respond with grace. Be honest and loving. Healthy boundaries are important.
Mercy Definition:
Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm
Love is a choice. We can choose love even when people are least deserving. That’s mercy. Its got to start in our own hearts and homes. That’s when we find freedom from division and heal our land.
Forgiveness
We can choose forgiveness and gracefully live out mercy for one another. To be honest and share the love of Jesus the way He shared His love with us.
We think the ones we love the most should know better. But unless we are the ones to forgive, where would the healing even begin?
Forgiveness has to start with meClick To Tweet
We cannot change the world, but how we respond to one another will. One family at a time…
If Jesus is coming back for a purified bride and the world is crumbling at the seams, it may be time to choose love. To lay down our selfish pride and anger.
It may be time to break off the condemnation for one another and choose mercy in the midst of the broken. None of us are without sin, so maybe its time to choose to forgive?
As I write this, the song “bleed the same” came on my playlist by Mandisa. Its a perfect song at this moment.
Are you ready to let go of the division and build a bridge? Sign up below for more post updates on how to restore your heart and your home.
Prayer
Lord create in us clean repentant hearts. To understand and receive your forgiveness so we can extend your grace, mercy, and love to others around us. Break off the anger, unforgiveness, and spirit of division among us in Jesus name. Today we choose to trust you so we are refined and ready for your return.
Thank you! Many blessings and prayers to you too 🙂
My heart, thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. God’s blessings, peace and grace be yours. In abundance.