The recent murder of nine of our fellow citizens while they were studying the Bible together, was cold and calculated. The murderer’s intent was to ignite a seething firestorm of hatred whose flames would be fanned into a race-war.

As Jesus’ brother, James wrote nearly 2,000 years ago, some fires are set from those in hell (3:6). This was intended to be one such fire.

No such war is erupting, however. Instead, the families and friends of those whose lives were taken stepped up to the plate and played this out just as Jesus taught us to do.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, while standing in the Senate, made a statement about this senseless crime. He spoke of a brief conversation he had with Daniel Simmons Jr., son of one of the victims, just prior to taking the floor:

“…..I was talking to him back there and I said, ‘Is there anything you want me to share when I go on the floor of the Senate?’ He said, ‘Please, share that God cares for his people. God still lives.’ ….. And then he said with great enthusiasm and energy, a sense of excitement, that this evil attack would lead to reconciliation, restoration, and unity in our nation.”

Bam! Instead of hatred and revenge dominating the field, the day has been won through gracious forgiveness. The passions of the flesh have faithfully been surrendered to the leadership of the Spirit of God. Love has prevailed, as those who could see themselves as victims, have behaved instead, like victors, and in so doing have set an example for the rest of us.

Daniel Simmons Jr.’s remarks remind me of what a man of God named Joseph said over 3,500 years ago of the injustices he suffered at the hands of his own brothers and several others, “…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Nothing has changed throughout the millennia. Men still mean to do evil, while God in his love for us is always planning good. God used this truth to our advantage by sending his own son, who came willingly among those who would reject and kill him. Through Jesus' death, however, we have the living hope of eternal life.

Daniel Simmons Jr.’s words, “reconciliation”, “restoration” and “unity” address the very reasons Jesus came among us. These are not merely philosophical concepts, but the reality of what Jesus has made possible. Only you and I, however, can make them so.

My hope is that there are more who are hungering for the good that can come of this than we might tend to believe.