How Will You Live In Response to Tragedy?
Horrific events can shake us to the core. When they do, how should we respond? Here are three thoughts to consider.
As the horrific events of the past week continue to leave their lingering impact on the minds of so many this week, it's good to pause this Monday morning and ask: How should I live any differently?
For many, their response was to go to church. In fact, Janan and I couldn't even find a seat, and from what I've seen online, this was not an uncommon occurrence nationwide yesterday.
Tragedy has a way of shaking us up, reminding us that life is not all about that next business deal, the weekend party, or even spending time with friends and family. This life, in all of its complexity, pain, and pleasure, is a foreshadowing of an eternity that awaits.
Last Easter, I shared how the resurrection should change the way we live. These remain true, but I wanted to add three thoughts for you to consider this week. Thought that hopefully will become guardrails for your thoughts and your actions.
Thought #1: Allow Yourself to Be Crushed But Not Shaken
In 2 Corinthians 4:8, Paul is describing the experience of following Christ in a broken world and notes, "We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair." Paul’s point is that human weakness is the stage where God’s power shines.
I've watched a good many friends handle tragedy the past few years, and I'm constantly amazed by those who have a unique ability to feel the quakes and pains of life, all while not allowing their confidence in God to waver. That's not to say there aren't questions and there aren't feelings of anger, but through it all, they keep coming back to their source of hope.
Thought #2: Become Radicalized By Love
The word radical comes from the Latin root radix, meaning “root.” It carries the sense of digging deep to the source, whether that’s ideas, systems, or expressions.
Tragedy has a way of exposing our roots, and the most "radical" Christians are the most loving Christians. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1, "If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." My three-year-old always giggles when I read her this verse, but its words remain true and will always be profound.
Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” True Christian radicalism is not some fundamentalist power grab that seeks to suppress others who disagree. It's about radical love that forgives, serves, and sacrifices for others—even those who least deserve it. It is love that changes hearts, love that reflects Christ, and love that proves to the world that the deepest mark of discipleship is not extremism but compassion.
Thought #3: Extend Forgiveness When You Least Feel Like It
Forgiveness, as modeled by Jesus, is a unique characteristic (many would argue weakness) of Christianity. My friend Jeff Keaton posted the other day:
Think about this. The difference between Christianity and all other worldviews is this: The young man who killed Charlie Kirk will likely die because of his crime. If he will trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of his sins, He will go to heaven and Charlie will be there waiting to embrace him as a brother in Christ. Only Christianity offers this kind of forgiveness, mercy, healing and eternal grace.
At the heart of Christianity is the message of forgiveness. This includes God’s forgiveness toward humanity and the call for us to forgive others. The cross of Jesus shows this most clearly. Though we were guilty, Christ took on himself the weight of our sins so we could be reconciled to God.
As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Forgiveness is not just a moral suggestion but the essence of the gospel. We receive undeserved grace, and in turn, we extend that grace.
This week, whether in person or online, you'll likely encounter people who are shaken, radicalized by bitterness or even hate, and have become so consumed by political ideology that they find it impossible to love others with whom they disagree.
When you do, what message will you send them?
