A perennial challenge for Christ-followers is living in the world but not becoming of the world (John 17.14-16). We seek God first (Matthew 7.7) and love our neighbors (Mark 12.30-31). Therefore, if we who follow Christ seek to love our neighbors, we need to know what is happening in our neighborhood. This means following the news. For people who care about the “least of these” (Matthew 25.31-46), many current events are disheartening.
At times like this, scripture can give a voice to our feelings. If we need encouragement, we can turn to words of hope. Job says, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been destroyed, then in my flesh, I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side” (Job 19.25-27). The prophet Isaiah reminds us that “those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40.31). In the New Testament, Romans 15.13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.”
Throughout scripture, we find messages of hope and assurances of peace. In fact, the gospel message can be summed up in a few words, it might say: no matter what, in the end, it’s going to be okay.
Even when the news is discouraging, we do not need to be discouraged. If injustice appears to be spreading, we need not lose heart. As Micah 6.8 reminds us, we seek justice. We can encourage one another and stand for what is right. The psalmist sings, “Do not put your trust in princes or mortals, in whom there is no help” (Psalm 146.3). Instead, as Christ-followers, we put our trust in God.
The real work begins with specific news stories. Each one contains partial information, so our first step is to avoid jumping to conclusions. The second step needs to be praying for everyone involved—including victims, bystanders, perpetrators of violence, decision makers, and anyone else involved in a story. Then, pause. Pray. Listen. Seek multiple vantage points. Pray again. And ask the Spirit to guide your action.
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6.8).