“Pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-48)

Once again, we have witnessed multiple occurrences of senseless violence in the United States. Last week it was Georgia. This week it is Colorado.

After years of mass shootings we are angry, frustrated and scared. Debates the further arming or disarming of our society have already begun. Cries for justice are often vaguely disguised calls for revenge.

Jesus provides another place to start in the sermon on the mount. In Matthew 5:43-48 he tells us to pray for our enemies so that their hearts and minds may be changed. We pray also for the victims so that they may be comforted and lives restored.