Whether you are 14 or 40, we all agree that the recent shooting in Newtown, Connecticut was a horrific thing. It was indescribably sad and painful and bottom-line wrong. It should never have happened.

In the past, I’ve heard people say that there isn’t such a thing as a moral standard, arguing that a universal right and wrong do not exist. But with what happened in Newtown, the reaction we all have proves to me that there is a moral compass, placed inside us by our Creator God.  Though, as a nation, I think we’ve drifted far from it.

If you are a child of the 90’s like me, or in Jr. High and Highschool, this is a hot topic at school.  Does a moral code exist?  Yes!  God handed it to us.  I’m not just talking about the 10 Commandments.  There is a list called the Fruit of the Spirit in Galations 5:22 that show us what is good.  You know – peace, patience, kindness, self-control – look it up to find even more than this.  It says that there’s no law against these things!  But, the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

How do you feel about going back to school after a shooting like that?  One of my friends said she was afraid of some of her classmates.  Bullies have been a problem at school for decades. There is something stronger than the threats of a bully or the kids who talk bad about you.  It’s the power of love.

Jesus dealt with a lot of people hating and misunderstanding Him. His words of truth to us are, “I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer…” (Matthew 5:44, The Message)

It’s amazing what the effects of love can do when you carry it with you every day.  Look for the person who seems to be hurting or lonely, and share kindness to them.  This is how Jesus would go back to school.

-elissa

How is God’s love changing the way you go to school? Write a comment!