A Christian Response to Violence

I come with a heavy heart, remembering recent tragedy. As you know, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were ambushed and shot just blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C. on November 26, 2025—one, Sarah Beckstrom, age 20, has died; the other, Andrew Wolfe, age 24, remains critically wounded.

The following Bible passages come to my mind.
  • Genesis 1:27 — We are all created in God’s image. 

  • Exodus 20:13 — “You shall not murder.” 

  • Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) — When Jesus commands us to “turn the other cheek” and “love our enemies” (Matthew 5:38-48).
What does this horrendous act of violence mean for Christians? How do we respond? Well, first, we mourn. This act of violence shocks our conscience. As followers of Jesus, we do not turn away from grief. Rather, we honor the dignity of those lost and their families by lamenting before God, lifting up the wounded and their loved ones in prayer. Scripture calls us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and now is a time to weep with those who weep.

Second, because every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), attacks on life—especially cold, ambush-style murders—are deeply evil. The victims in this case were serving to protect and maintain public safety. As believers we honor and pray for those who place their lives in harm’s way for the sake of others—and we do not allow fear, hatred, or xenophobia to define our response.

Third, the Gospel does not call us to vengeance. We must allow civil authorities and justice systems to act. At the same time, our faith calls us to resist simplistic or hateful responses toward entire peoples. While the suspect has been identified as an Afghan national, our faith does not license blanket suspicion or prejudice against all who share his background. The call of Jesus is to see the person, to affirm dignity, and to seek justice—not revenge.

Fourth, violence often tempts us to respond with fear, anger, or withdrawal. But as Christians, we are called to respond differently—to channel grief into compassion, to respond to evil by clinging more tightly to God’s call for love, justice, and mercy. We must resist the impulse to demonize groups or stoke division; instead, we extend grace, pray for healing, and support efforts that promote reconciliation and safety for all.

Finally, in times like this, the church must stand as a beacon of God’s shalom. We pray for healing for the wounded, comfort for the grieving, wisdom for our leaders, and for hearts to turn from violence and fear toward love and unity. We commit ourselves to being salt and light—agents of hope, compassion, and reconciliation.


Heavenly Father, we come before You today with broken hearts. We mourn the loss of life, we grieve for those wounded, and we cry out for comfort for families, friends, and communities shaken by this tragedy. Grant healing to the wounded, peace to the grieving, and courage and wisdom to those in authority as they pursue justice.

Lord God, do not let us respond in fear or hatred, but let us respond as You have called us: with compassion, dignity for every human life, and unshakeable trust in Your justice and mercy. May we be Your instruments of peace in a world torn by violence, showing the love of Christ in both word and deed. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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