“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
September 11 is a date that carries its own heaviness. Twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced a tragedy that changed us. Thousands of lives were lost, families were forever changed, and countless first responders and ordinary people showed extraordinary courage during unimaginable suffering.
It is right that we remember.
We remember those who died. We remember those who ran toward danger to help others. We remember families who still carry grief today. We remember a day when so much seemed uncertain and frightening.
But as Christians, how we remember matters.
Paul tells us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Jesus goes even further, teaching us to love our neighbors and even to love our enemies. Those are difficult words, especially when we have been hurt. Yet they are at the very heart of the Gospel.
Our response to hatred cannot be more hatred. Our response to violence cannot be the dehumanization of others. We cannot allow fear to convince us that people who look different, worship differently, come from another country, or see the world differently are somehow less worthy of our love.
Every person we encounter is someone Christ calls us to love.
On this September 11, may we remember those whose lives were lost and honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served. But may our remembering also strengthen our commitment to become people of peace, compassion, mercy, and love.
The world has enough hatred already. May the people of Jesus show another way.
Grace and peace,