IS LOVE ENOUGH?

My intention was to continue with part three of Endeavor to Endure, but my heart is heavy and my soul is disturbed. Really, I am outraged at the wicked ways of man; and I cannot seem to shake the feeling that this is only the beginning. I want to scream why God? Why? Why would you allow it to happen in your house? But I already know why, His word teaches me why. I want to be mad at God because His word teaches us to love, as hatred-fueled violence corrupts our world.  But I have to ask, “Is love enough?”
This week, nine families will lay their loved ones to rest because of one calculated act of violence; violence spawned by hatred and the lack of anything resembling love. The evil deeds that men are capable of will not cease especially if given the means and platforms to destroy others. To celebrate a milestone in a young man’s life, his father gave him an instrument of death that he later used to end the lives of people he saw less than fit to live. He took that weapon to a church, where people he hated, worshipped a loving God. He waited an hour before attacking them; time he could have spent in prayer and repentance. Instead, he fed on hatred and methodically took the lives of nine children of God. 
I have read the Bible countless times and I know of the evil that exists among men. Cain killed his brother Abel in the opening chapters of the Bible (see Genesis 4:8), so the battle of good versus evil is as old as humanity. The Bible teaches us to train up a child in the way that he should go and he will not stray from this path (see Proverbs 22:6). That works either way, because hatred does not just appear out of nowhere. Some parents teach their children vicious behaviors and those children often grow up to become vindictive, hateful adults that commit atrocious acts. So with countless acts of violence happening around the globe, how can we continue to seek love? 
We must always seek love because God commands us to do so (see Matthew 22:37-40 & 1 Corinthians 13:13). It is not enough that we should have compassion when something horrific happens. We have to start with love and the willingness to do what is right first, not when it is popular or convenient. We have to pray for those lacking in love and bear witness to the loving qualities found in Christ (see Galatians 5:22-23). 
I cannot question why God would allow this to happen in His house. Anywhere in the world where atrocities occur is a part of God’s creation. So as with all tragedy, we must not despair but remain steeped in love and learn that we are in spiritual warfare. Evil exists and grows readily through hatred, jealousy, greed and lust. 
Love is eternal; and without it, we are nothing. Choosing love first is the best way to combat the madness of this world. We must be the example that others follow as we continue to navigate through life as followers of Christ. 

Prayer: May the families of these nine blessed souls be comforted knowing that their loved ones perished in fellowship with one another, in the presence of God.  Father we ask that you comfort the families of the victims and help them to heal and forgive. Help the community come together in the face of this tragedy, and let your blessings be with them now and forevermore! Embrace us all with the Spirit of your Love, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Peace and Eternal rest to: Cynthia Hurd, 54; Suzy Jackson, 87; Ethel Lance, 70; Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor, 49; Hon. Rev. Clementa Pinckney, 41; Tywanza Sanders, 26; Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., 74; Rev. Sharonda Singleton, 45; Myra Thompson, 59.

Read 1 Corinthians 13 to see what love looks like.