Dear Church Family,
Tomorrow morning is the Lord’s Day for all followers of Jesus. We will gather around our TVs to worship, pray, and sit under the teaching of God’s word. Because we have recorded tomorrow’s service much earlier in the week, there will not be any mention of the tragedy that happened in Minneapolis this past week. I feel compelled to send you this email in hopes that you may see it and read it before you watch church service tomorrow morning.
By now you have seen the coverage of the sad and inexcusable treatment and eventual death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The fear and outrage one feels from the pictures and video are reasonable and justifiable. The inhumane behavior of the officer is unconscionable. As of earlier today, the officer has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder. In addition to the loss of the life of Mr. Floyd, now the protests have turned into riots filled with violence – and have hit close to home here in Seattle. Sadly, the media coverage of the riots present the unfortunate possibility of causing us to focus our hearts and attention away from the real issues for God’s people.
Please allow God’s Word to speak to your hearts for comfort and direction…
As those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion. Colossians 3:12
Don’t allow the senseless fires and riots instigated by angry people who are taking advantage of a horrible tragedy for their own evil and selfish gain, to make you miss our responsibility of compassion. Compassion for the George Floyd family. Compassion for the black community whose hearts are filled with dread, fear, and agony when they have to go through this again. And every emotion imaginable is compounded in their hearts by the media’s continual 24/7 loop of the suffering and death of a fellow human being. We must put on a heart of compassion toward the genuine pain of our black communities. Compassion doesn’t require taking blame, but it does require a gentle and long-suffering spirit as we grieve the sin in the hearts of man that cause such needless pain. If you have the opportunity, share your heart of compassion with your friends and especially with and for every black person for what they must feel when they see the unnecessary violence and death of our fellow human being. Be understanding and patient with anyone who is struggling with anger and hopelessness because of this.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
Don’t let the evil of the officer overcome you. There are hundreds of thousands of wonderful law enforcement men and women. Overcome the evil by encouraging and praying for our law enforcement. Let them know how much you appreciate them every chance you can. Don’t let the evil of the riots overcome you. Protests can accomplish much needed change. America was born out of a protest. Riots are evil. Don’t let the riots cause you to hate or discount the reason this all started. No one should die the way Mr. Floyd did. That’s a worthy protest for all of us of every color. Don’t let the people who are burning buildings and harming more innocent people take away our opportunity to do good. To speak up and encourage the necessary change to stop officers like the one who did this.
Do not be ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation to everyone who believes. To the Jew first then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16
The greatest racial unifying and healing force in the universe is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The One who loves all sinners unconditionally, died for all sinners willingly, rescues all sinners from the darkness in our hearts, unites all sinners into one kingdom and family of light, and has the power to change our sin-broken world one soul at a time. We have the answer. It’s our world’s greatest hope. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus brings black, white, and brown, altogether at the foot of the cross covered by the blood of his grace with a deeper love for our fellow rescued sinners. We must keep sharing and proclaiming the power of the gospel of Jesus, now more than ever.
At some point tomorrow while you are watching church, hit the pause button and pray together for our black brothers and sisters, for our good and respected law enforcement officers, for the family of Mr. Floyd, and for our God to have mercy on our country, by the power of the gospel and for his glory.
With both sadness and hope,
Pastor Steve
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