Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective. and take matters Abyssendum The killing of Irina Zarutska in Charlotte shocked all of us. Here was a young woman who'd come from Ukraine. for a peaceful and prosperous life, in the United States.
She was sitting, minding her own business on a transit train in Charlotte, North Carolina, the city where I live. A man with a serious criminal record and with mental health issues, took a knife. came up from behind her, and brutally killed her. Then came the assassination of Charlie Kirk. A young man on a college campus Of the United States seeking dialogue.
Standing for Christ and answering all kinds of questions from students. is shot in the neck. Why the hit? There's also the sickening regular school shootings. Let's face it.
There's a lot of hate. and a lot of hate speech. People rejoice at the killing. of Charlie Kirk. Right-wing and left-wing activists.
pour out hateful rhetoric against each other. The political world is no exception to this hate speech, which is impacting our way of life. Our enemy, the Devil, is a murderer from the beginning. He promotes hatred, murder, and deceit. The Holy Scriptures teach that in the hearts of men and women there is often hatred.
One of the first stories in the Bible is the killing of Abel, by his brother Cain. What is to be the response of those of us who follow Jesus Christ? Jesus repeatedly taught, That his disciples are to be known. for their love not for hate. In the Beatitudes Jesus said that any one who is angry with his brother, will be liable to judgment.
So it's not just the act of murder which is wrong. but the attitude of the heart. Jesus went on to say, I say to you, Love your enemies. and pray for those who persecute you.
so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. That's Matthew 5 verses 44 and 3. And 45. Writing to the Romans, the Apostle Paul exhorts them, if possible. as far as it depends on you.
live peaceably withal. Beloved, Never avenge yourselves. But leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written. Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the LORD. To the contrary.
If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he's thirsty, give him something to drink. for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil. but overcome evil.
with good. Imagine the impact in the United States if we who love Jesus Christ practiced loving our enemies, forgiving them, and doing good to them. rather than responding in hate, abuse, and anger. We are to be peacemakers, not troublemakers. The perfect example is our Lord Jesus, who on the cross offered forgiveness to those crucifying him.
Let's practice gentleness, kindness, love, and forgiveness. Yes, I firmly believe. we should stand for the truth of the Word of God. There can be no deviation from that, but the truth of the Word of God includes loving our enemies, being peacemakers, and helping those who are opposed to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no place.
for hate. Of a zoomed. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms.
For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com slash the verdict.
