PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Amid our joy and the radiance of life, we confront the profound mystery of death, a reality that seems all too cruel and untimely in the loss of a young soul. Today, we gather as a collective body, a community built on love and faith, united in loss and grief, as we recognize a young man who has been so abruptly taken from this community.
Oh God, who has guided our steps and held us in times of joy and sorrow, comfort his family and friends in this phase of brutal pain. We acknowledge the fragility of life and the stinging reality of death, a wound that only Your mighty hand can heal.
Mighty Father, let us not forget the innocent eyes that bore witness to this tragedy. The elementary children who were present in this inopportune moment, young minds yet to grasp the fullness of life, have now been introduced to the cold hand of death. Wrap your loving arms around them; great Protector. Unveil your comforting presence and assure them of your unending love, even amidst this darkness.
We pray, oh Lord, that You instill resilience in their innocent hearts, strength in their vulnerability, and courage in their fears. Replace the haunting images with peace and remembrance of the joy shared in happier times.
God of all Comfort, strengthen the hearts of the grieving parents, friends, and teachers left in empty despair. As our community mourns, may we support each other, lean on each other, and embody Your love for one another.
In this sorrowful moment, we seek Your presence more than ever, dear Lord.
Let this loss bind our community even more strongly, and may this tragedy act as a catalyst to foster empathy, compassion, and love for one another within us. In these difficult times, may we never forget to celebrate the vibrant life that once graced our community and made it brighter. Though he will be missed immensely, we trust he is now at peace in Your compassionate heart.
In Your sacred name, we pray.
Amen.
SERMON
POINT:
Galatians 5:22-25 NRSV
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:31-32 NRSV
Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
POINT: We need to remain
Romans 2:1-8 NLT
You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad and have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you condemn yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory, honor, and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, refuse to obey the truth, and live lives of wickedness.
POINT: The antithesis of kindness isn’t cruelty; it’s
Luke 6:35 NRSV
Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.