"And because of the increase of lawlessness,
the love of many will grow cold."
Matthew 24:12 (NRSV)
Today, the world is saddened and asks, "Where is God?" as terror and death again comes to our high schools. 17 innocent lives were taken in Florida yesterday by a troubled young man who returned to his high school and randomly shot children and teachers.
Monday morning another young man took his own life while on the campus of Riverside Community College and the lack of mental health services is identified as partially the reason for this loss. The Encourager's Team is saddened and is keeping these families in our prayers and are making ourselves available to anyone who is a victim, knew someone who is a victim, or is distressed by the recent shootings to please call us (951-900-4414).
Recently, clients have asked me, "Where is God" in my circumstances, in my pain, in my life and understanding? It breaks my heart to hear them say they are "losing faith" because they see death and destruction, pain and suffering, hurt and dismay all around them and on the news. My reply to them is that God's heart is breaking right along with theirs. God is not desiring these tragedies to happen, he is not making the people choose to do harm to others. It is the evil (sin) that lives within us that makes us do the things we do.
Another way to say the above scripture, which is talking about the end times, says, "There will be more and more evil in the world. So most people will stop showing their love for each other." The Bible warns us that this is the way our choices will take us, on a path toward self-destruction. The second part of the scripture is that "most people will stop showing their love for each other." This does not mean it has to be YOU who stops loving. It is your choice to love in spite of our circumstances. It is an opportunity to share your love, and God's love through your example, so that others can have hope.
One person told me they thought someone made a "noble gesture" to protect another. Noble is defined as, "having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals." Each and everyone of us can make a 'noble gesture" by sharing what is good, honoring, and ideal, but we first have to understand what that means.
Today, hug someone, tell them you love them, loan them a smile when they are sad, tell them they are important to you, that you value your friendship, your relationship, your love.
Be an encourager today and every day! We all need it.