Every day, I make it a point to check the news. I'm sure many of us do. We want to see the current events that are happening around us, so that we are updated and informed about the things that may or may not affect us - either in a good or a bad way.
Many who check the news, however, will be dismayed to see all sorts of bad and unpleasant things happening around the world. With all the bad news circulating around us, in the TV, radio, papers and the internet, how should a Christian respond?
Dear friends, I am writing this article to help each and every one of us who is concerned with all that is happening around us. Here are some ways to respond, according to God's word.
1) Remain steadfast in God
No matter what happens around us, we should not fear and lose hope. God is alive and is mighty to save, and is with us. Zephaniah 3:17 should encourage us:
"The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
Knowing that God is with us, we must choose to remain steadfast in Him. Psalm 108:1 tells us how to respond in the face of bad news: to praise God.
"O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory."
2) Encourage the people around you
The Lord Jesus Christ told us that we have a very important role wherever we are:
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)
That said, we must realize that inside of us rests the hope that all the world is looking for:
"...Christ in you, the hope of glory." (see Colossians 1:27)
We must bring the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone around us. We must bring hope to the people around us. We must shine a light for them, to let them see that in Christ we all have hope.
3) Do what is right with all courage
Lastly, we should all do what is right with all courage. In the face of bad news, including fake news that is being spread to harass, manipulate and subdue, we should all take a stand for what is right in obedience to God.
We must follow what Jude 20-23 tells us: to build ourselves up in God by praying in the Spirit, to keep ourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to show His compassion to others with all boldness.
"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh."
As Christians, we must always remember that our lives aren't just for ourselves. We are for the Lord Jesus Christ. The bad news around us shouldn't stop us from living for Him. Rather, with Him we will face all the bad things that are happening around us.
"Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108:13)
