Tough Times, Tender Love

BY REV HENRY HONG

With the current civil unrest, protests and racism on the rise among the nations, what’s our Christian response besides praying? Sometimes no matter what you say you will upset some people because of divergent views. What can we learn from those who have responded with their faith in God and witnessed the triumph of God’s love over these volatile situations?

Recently Christian Media Company Revelation Media, which gave us The Pilgrim’s Progress, launched the 50th anniversary of The Cross and the Switchblade. It is about the testimony of Pastor David Wilkerson and how he stood before a judge in New York City and offered to take responsibility for members of a street gang. He risked his own life to bring Jesus to one of the most violent groups in Brooklyn, the “Mau Maus”. When the gang leader threatened to cut him to pieces, Pastor Wilkerson told him every piece would tell him that Jesus loved him.

It was a time of violence, racism and civil unrest.

It was a time when a single pastor pointed people to a better way through the love of Christ and inspired millions by his actions.

Then we have this one woman, Harriet Tubman, often referred to as “Moses", who found her way to save others while inspiring faith, courage and freedom. Harriet was born into slavery. After escaping she made numerous trips to rescue friends, family and dozens of other slaves.

It was a time of violence, civil disobedience and slavery.

In all of her journeys she trusted God to show her the way and keep her safe.

Her story is told in the Christian DVD series, Torchlighters, highlighting modern heroes and heroines of faith.

The apostle Paul, writing under the oppression and persecution of the Roman rulers, gives us this counsel to fellow Christians in his letter, ROMANS 12:14-21 (NLT),

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.                                                                                                                            

16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone  can see you are honourable.                                                                                        

18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.  For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.