[LWC]

One of the most powerful forces that a Christian can carry is forgiveness. As difficult as it is, we are asked to love and forgive. Thankfully, Jesus empowers us by His strength to do both. LWC, the person, cannot love and forgive those involved in intentionally targeting and killing even one, let alone 20 small children. However, by the power of Christ in me, I can find a way.

Evil cannot bear to hear the name of Jesus. Light is the only thing that overcomes darkness. If we conjure dark thoughts, sinful hatred, and fill our hearts with malice, evil wins.

I hope God would give me the strength to say the same thing if evil ever attacked my wife, the members of my congregation or my family.

As devastating as Columbine was, we did have positive stories to come in the aftermath. As unfathomable as the terrorist attacks of September 11th were, positive things did come in the aftermath. If we allow Him to, God can take a situation that evil has done and show us grace rising from the ashes.

What I am taking from this horrible incident is to pray for my enemies and love my neighbor as myself. I am taking this lesson hard and will need every ounce of grace, peace, hope and truth that the Holy Spirit can possibly pour into me to do it. I can overcome the direction my thoughts are trying to take me, in Jesus name.

We can overcome. We can overcome. In Jesus name, we can overcome.