One Nation Under God

Ryan O’Neill

This week at Young Adults I talked about turmoil, hurt, pain. How our roots determine our response.

Recently, we had the opportunity to put response to the test. Our nation witnessed a chilling event: a violent attempt on the life of a leader. As Christians, our hearts are called to respond with prayer and unwavering faith in God's sovereignty. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

We face a great temptation as a result of the events that occurred this last Saturday. A temptation to hate. To be divided based on a party system we pledge allegiance to. A temptation to be dependent on a leader to fix our lives. The Christian way is not that of human dependence, it is being humbled before the Divine. In humility, we recognize our dependence on God and our need for His guidance in every circumstance. To approach God with repentant hearts, acknowledging that true strength and wisdom come from Him alone.

I don’t know how you responded to that day, but let me remind you that prayer must be our immediate response. Prayer is not merely a gesture, but powerful, often underutilized communication with our Heavenly Father who hears and answers us according to His will. We are called to lift up our leaders in prayer, asking God for their protection, wisdom, and discernment in navigating these challenging times.

What happened on Saturday was an act of evil, no matter your affiliation. But don’t let the source of your roots be determined by the events of the world. We need to trust that God is in control even amidst the chaos. Let us not be overcome by fear or hatred, but instead, let love and compassion guide our actions and responses. May we continue to uphold our leaders in prayer, trusting that God's purposes will prevail. As we humbly seek His face and show those around us how Christians react in times of confusion, may we experience His healing and restoration in our land. And above all, no matter what pollical side you land on, if you are rooted in Christ, your call and mission is to love.

Mark 12:30-31: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”