Our hearts and prayers go out to the survivors, the victims’ families and the first responders, as they cope with the terrible tragedy of the movie massacre in Aurora, Colo.

The Bible tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15)

There is something powerful about others sharing your loss and suffering that makes the burden lighter. It brings comfort to know others enter into our feelings of loss.

Certainly the folks of Aurora need our prayers that the God of all comfort will help them through this difficult time.

I know that there will be much speculation as to why this individual planned and carried out this wicked attack on innocent people.

We will begin hearing details about his background, upbringing, his family, classmates, co-workers and friends. It will all be in an effort to make sense out of a senseless act of violence.

The real answer will probably never be reported.

The reason this happened is sin. We live in a wicked fallen world where individuals can be pulled into very destructive thinking that leads to devastating actions. Bad influences are all around.

So what do we do about it? How do we counteract such evil?

The Apostle Paul very succinctly stated the Christian response. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

I have already heard numerous stories of brave individuals who gave their lives to protect others and friends who stayed with victims to get them to safety.

The real answer is focusing light on the good, not the evil.

What Paul wrote is not only how we should respond, but it is how evil is ultimately vanquished.

There could have been no greater evil ever committed than for the innocent, sinless, Son of God to be murdered upon a Roman cross. However, Jesus took all that evil upon Himself and He was victorious. The empty tomb declares God’s victory over evil through good.

Without Jesus Christ we would have no hope of eternal life, but because of Him we by faith have the promise of everlasting life and the ability to face tragedies like in Aurora knowing that good will win out in the end.

May the love, hope and comfort of Christ be with us all!

 

Dennis Strawn is pastor of First Baptist Church in Ironton. He can be reached at fbci@sbcglobal.net.