The Answer to Hate is not Hate.

Hi there!
​In my 17 years of full time ministry (5 as a youth pastor and 12 as a Lead Pastor at 2 different churches)- I don’t recall a more politically and emotionally charged time in our nation.  Depending on social media/search algorithms, we are being influenced by everything we are seeing on the news and influencer posts (and even sometimes becoming skeptical to why those same influencers are not responding.) My advice: don’t let it get to you.  Maybe the person is just not on social media right now- or they are so broken by what is happening that they don’t have the strength to post and face the backlash of comments from one side or another.  The bottom line- let us be “stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (For more on this, check out my sermon from last Sunday and read 1 Peter 4.)

Although I didn’t see the entire funeral service for Charlie Kirk, I did see a clip from his widow, Erika, “I forgive him because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”

Whether you agree with the politics of her or her husband- its impossible to not agree with her stance on forgiving her husband’s murderer.  We have to find ways to forgive those that hurt us.  If we don’t, it not only hurts them - it hurts us.  

Marghanita Laski, a well known author and atheist said, “What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness.”

I have said this many times, but its worth repeating: Those who anger you control you.  Don’t let them do that.  The answer: Forgiveness.  

Don’t miss this Sunday as we conclude our Bystander Series and celebrate Baptism together!  If you would like more information about baptism - go to www.renew.miami/baptism and let us know if you are ready to take that next step! 

Looking Up! 
Pastor Treavor
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P.S.The Hope Center Gala is Saturday, September 27 at 6pm in Homestead.  If you would like to support this event- click this link to purchase your ticket! They have received a matching grant of up to $35,000 so every dollar that is donated will be doubled- please consider attending! 

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Click Here to watch last weeks message.
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