Responding to Tragedy: Love, Peace, and Generosity

Devotional

Day 1: Love Your Neighbor and Enemy Without Exception

Jesus calls us to love our neighbors and even our enemies, regardless of our feelings or circumstances. This command is not optional for those who follow Him; it is the very heart of what it means to live as His disciple. In moments of tragedy, division, or pain, our response should reflect the radical love of Christ, extending compassion and prayer not only to those we agree with but also to those we might consider adversaries. This love is a reflection of our love for God and is the foundation upon which all other commands rest. [14:12]

Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your life—neighbor, coworker, or even an adversary—whom you find difficult to love? How can you take one concrete step today to show them the love of Christ, whether through a kind word, a prayer, or an act of service?

Day 2: Be Rich in Good Deeds and Generosity

Followers of Jesus are commanded to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. This is not a suggestion but a direct instruction for the church, meant to shape our lives and impact the world around us. Generosity is not just about financial giving but about a lifestyle of open-handedness, serving others, and sharing what God has entrusted to us. When we live this way, we reflect the character of God and participate in His mission to bring more of heaven to earth. [28:53]

1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Reflection: What is one way you can be intentionally generous today—whether with your time, resources, or encouragement—to someone in your community or church?

Day 3: Sacrificial Giving Matters More Than Amount

Jesus honors sacrificial generosity, not the size of the gift but the heart and sacrifice behind it. The story of the widow’s offering reminds us that God values what we give out of our need or limitation, not just our abundance. True generosity often involves risk and trust, giving even when it feels costly, and believing that God can use our sacrifice to bless others and further His kingdom. [34:34]

Luke 21:1-4 (NIV)
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Reflection: Is there something you feel God prompting you to give or do that feels like a sacrifice? What would it look like to trust Him and take that step this week?

Day 4: The Church Changes the World by Serving Locally

The church is called to be salt and light, changing the world not by separating from it but by serving and loving right where we are. Throughout history, the church has led the way in caring for the sick, the poor, and the marginalized, often being the first to respond in times of crisis. Our greatest impact often starts in our own neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools, as we seek to bring more of God’s kingdom into our everyday lives. [22:09]

Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve or bring hope to someone in your local community this week, showing them the love of Jesus in action?

Day 5: We Are Christ’s Ambassadors—God Makes His Appeal Through Us

As followers of Jesus, we are His ambassadors, representing Him in the world so that God can make His appeal through our lives. This is a profound responsibility and privilege: our actions, words, and generosity are the means by which others encounter the love and message of Christ. Every act of kindness, every moment of forgiveness, and every generous deed is an opportunity for God to reach others through us. [28:53]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God inviting you to represent Him more intentionally? How can you let your life be an invitation for others to experience Jesus today?

Sermon Summary

This week has been heavy for all of us. The assassination of Charlie Kirk and the violence, anger, and division that have followed are reminders of the brokenness in our world. It’s natural to feel the weight of grief, confusion, and even anger. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to respond differently. Our calling is not to seek revenge or celebrate tragedy, but to love our neighbors—every neighbor, including those we might call enemies. Jesus’ command is clear: love your neighbor as yourself, and love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. There are no exceptions to this command, and our response in moments like these is a reflection of our faith and allegiance to Jesus as King.

In the midst of pain and chaos, we are called to be peacemakers. Our words, actions, and attitudes matter deeply, especially when the world is watching how we respond. We are not to be swept up in the divisive rhetoric or the temptation to dehumanize others. Instead, we are to lead the way in seeking peace, offering compassion, and being present for those who are hurting. This is not about ignoring the pain or pretending everything is okay, but about lamenting, praying, and choosing the way of Jesus in the face of evil.

This is also a time to remember the church’s calling to change the world for good. Throughout history, the church has led the way in caring for the sick, the poor, the marginalized, and the hurting. We are called to be salt and light, to bring more of God’s kingdom to earth, starting right where we are. That’s why we’re participating in the Be Rich initiative: to give, serve, and love our local community in tangible ways. Generosity is at the heart of God’s kingdom, and every one of us has been impacted by the generosity of others. Now, we have the opportunity to be generous, sacrificially, for the sake of others.

Giving is not just about meeting needs; it’s an act of worship and a reflection of God’s generosity toward us. Whether it’s two copper coins or more, what matters is that we all participate, including our children, and that we give with open hands and open hearts. Our Be Rich partners—Deep Valley Christian Service Camp and Emmaus Community Pittsburgh—are doing incredible work, and our support will help them continue to change lives. There is risk in generosity, but there is also great reward: the chance to see lives transformed, communities strengthened, and the love of Jesus made visible. Let’s go and live out this call together, loving our neighbors, loving our enemies, and being peacemakers in a world that desperately needs it.

Key Takeaways

1. The Call to Love Without Exception Jesus’ command to love our neighbors and our enemies is not optional or situational. In moments of tragedy and division, it is easy to justify anger or even hatred, but the way of Jesus is radically different. We are called to love, pray for, and seek the good of even those who oppose us, reflecting the heart of God in a broken world. [14:12]
2. Responding as Peacemakers in a Divided World When violence and hatred erupt, our response as followers of Jesus must be to seek peace and reconciliation, not revenge or celebration of suffering. Our words and actions have the power to either deepen wounds or bring healing, and we are called to lead the way in peacemaking, even when it is costly or countercultural. [15:34]
3. The Church’s Role: In the World, Not of the World We are called to be present in the world, engaging with its pain and brokenness, but not allowing the world’s ways to shape us. The church has historically changed the world by being salt and light—caring for the sick, the poor, and the marginalized, and bringing hope where there is despair. Our mission is to bring more of God’s kingdom to earth, starting right where we are. [22:09]
4. Generosity as Worship and Transformation Giving is not just a financial transaction; it is an act of worship and a declaration of trust in God’s provision. True generosity is sacrificial, not just giving out of abundance but out of faith, as seen in the widow’s offering. When we give, we participate in God’s work of transforming lives and communities, and we ourselves are transformed in the process. [36:04]
5. Everyone Has a Part to Play Generosity and service are not reserved for a select few; every person, including children, is invited to participate. When we involve our families and teach our children about giving, we shape the next generation to live generously and compassionately. Our collective participation multiplies the impact, allowing us to support partners like Deep Valley and Emmaus and to be a tangible expression of God’s love in our community. [44:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[11:55] - Processing Tragedy and Grief
[13:36] - The Command to Love Neighbors and Enemies
[14:56] - Responding to Division and Hatred
[15:34] - The Importance of Peacemaking
[16:06] - Seeking Support and Spiritual Guidance
[17:19] - Silent Prayer and Lament
[19:09] - Praying for Healing and Good
[21:21] - Transition and Community Announcements
[22:09] - The Church’s Mission to Change the World
[28:53] - Ambassadors of Christ and the Power of Generosity
[31:16] - The Biblical Foundation for Giving
[34:34] - Sacrificial Generosity: The Widow’s Offering
[36:04] - Generosity in Jesus’ Ministry and the Early Church
[41:06] - How and How Much to Give
[42:52] - 100% Participation: Involving Everyone
[44:19] - Teaching Generosity to the Next Generation
[45:45] - Stories of Childlike Faith and Giving
[47:30] - Why We Partner with Deep Valley and Emmaus
[50:02] - Deep Valley: Investing in the Next Generation
[51:37] - Emmaus: Serving Adults with Special Needs
[62:49] - Communion and Sending Out

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV) — > “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Luke 21:1-4 (NIV) — > As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV) — > Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in Matthew 5, what is the difference between the world’s way of loving and the way he commands his followers to love?
In the story of the widow’s offering (Luke 21:1-4), what made her gift stand out to Jesus compared to the gifts of the wealthy?
What specific command does Paul give to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:18 regarding how believers should live?
In the sermon, what are some examples given of how the church has historically changed the world for good? [[22:09]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus insist that loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us is non-negotiable for his followers? How does this challenge our natural responses to tragedy and division? [[14:12]]
What does the widow’s offering teach us about the heart behind generosity, and how does this differ from simply giving out of abundance? [[34:34]]
The sermon mentions that the church is called to be “in the world, but not of the world.” What does this look like practically, especially in times of conflict or crisis? [[22:09]]
How does sacrificial generosity become an act of worship and a way to participate in God’s work of transforming lives? [[36:04]]

Application Questions

When you see or hear about violence, anger, or division in the world, what is your first reaction? How can you intentionally choose to respond as a peacemaker instead of being swept up in the rhetoric around you? [[15:34]]
Think of someone you struggle to love or even consider an “enemy.” What is one practical way you can pray for or show love to that person this week? [[14:12]]
The sermon challenges us not to dehumanize others, even in moments of deep pain or disagreement. Are there ways you have been tempted to do this? What would it look like to see every person as your neighbor? [[13:36]]
Generosity is described as an act of worship and trust in God’s provision. Is there an area of your life where you find it hard to be generous—whether with money, time, or attention? What is one step you can take to grow in generosity this week? [[36:04]]
The Be Rich initiative invites everyone—including children—to participate in giving and serving. How can you involve your family or friends in acts of generosity or service this month? [[44:19]]
The church’s mission is to bring more of God’s kingdom to earth, starting right where we are. What is one need in your local community that you feel called to help meet? How can you take a first step toward that this week? [[22:09]]
The sermon mentions the risk and reward of generosity. What fears or hesitations do you have about giving sacrificially? How might trusting God with those fears open up new opportunities for you to make an impact? [[51:37]]

Sermon Clips

Violence is never the way of Jesus. It's never okay. And then the idea of acting out that way is not the way that we follow Jesus. And here's the thing. This is not a red thing or a blue thing. This is a good and evil thing. And this isn't just a physical good and evil thing. This is a spiritual good and evil thing, too. There are battles going on beyond what we can comprehend. [00:12:22] (28 seconds) #ViolenceIsNotTheWay

Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. In fact, the way we love our neighbors is a reflection of how we love God. Every law and commandment hangs on these. At the end of the day, Charlie Kirk was your and my neighbor. To go deeper, the shooter is also your and my neighbor. And we are called to love our neighbors. [00:13:36] (23 seconds) #LoveReflectsGod

If Charlie Kirk was your enemy for some reason, Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you. If you are angry at a certain side politically and you would call them your enemy, Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you. There is no way around this if you follow Jesus. [00:14:16] (22 seconds) #LoveYourEnemiesAlways

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We have this amazing privilege. I don't think we realize this most times, that Jesus came, he died, he resurrected, but then he left and instilled this mission, this command in us to go be his ambassadors so that through our lives, through our fruit, through the idea of loving God and loving our neighbors, God is making his appeal for Christ through yours and my life. That's a heavy responsibility, but that's a pretty amazing responsibility. [00:29:09] (33 seconds) #AmbassadorsForChrist

Because as Andy Stanley said last week, I'm repeating it now, because all people matter to God whether or not God matters to them. And this is what we seek to do as a church and as we partner with these organizations. And we have the means and opportunity as a church to let them experience that. [00:40:50] (15 seconds) #OpenConversationsOnGiving

Generosity doesn't come without risk, that's what generosity is. If your giving comes without risk then it's not being generous, you're just giving out of your wealth. Yes, there's a risk but we love the risk, we trust God in the midst of them, we trust God while following his commands. [00:55:54] (16 seconds) #GivingIsPossible

``So we give because of what Jesus has done for us. He gave greater than anything we could ever give, and that was himself. His life, his teachings, his death and resurrection, that our faith in him as Lord and Savior transforms us to be more like him. It gives us forgiveness of our sins, and it gives us the gift of life both now and for eternity. As followers of Jesus, we're called to live out the commands of Jesus. That means loving your neighbor and loving your enemy. It also means being generous. [01:02:16] (33 seconds) #GiveToChangeTheWorld

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