Grace in the Crossfire
Prayers, outrage, and cynicism spill out in equal measure as I scroll through my feeds. We grieve. We pray. We call for justice. And as Christians, we lean into the spiritual practices that build resilience: prayer, Scripture, community, gratitude, and rest.
Whether it’s violence in our streets or betrayal in our politics, Christians aren’t called to be numb.We’re called to be anchored. Jesus said:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
The question becomes: how should we think and respond? The answer is not about pushing through with a stiff upper lip. It’s about rising again — not in our strength, but in His.
It's about holding both grief and hope and choosing to move forward in faith. When violence strikes abruptly in our world, the mind reacts — activating fear, anger, or disgust. While these emotional responses are real and valid, Scripture urges us not to be ruled by them.
“Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
Renewing the mind involves slowing down the reflexive reactions and choosing to think redemptively. This is not denial — it is discipline.
Human flourishing research defines resilience as our ability to adapt positively in the face of adversity. It’s not about ignoring pain, but about recovering with purpose.
It’s about bouncing back — and sometimes, bouncing forward. Resilience is nurtured by social connection, purpose, hope, and faith.
Biblical resilience can be a spiritual discipline as much as a psychological one. It is the ability to recover and grow through hardship.
It is the discipline to feel — but not be consumed.
To grieve — but not be paralyzed.
To speak — but with grace.
The Psalms teach us that lament is not weakness; it is worship in the key of sorrow. David, no stranger to political violence, cried:
“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” – Psalm 13:1
In lament, the biblical mind does not suppress pain. It sanctifies it — by bringing sorrow to the throne of grace. Lament leads to healing because it holds two truths at once: this should not be, and God is still good.
This movement from sorrow to trust is a biblical form of resilience.It teaches us that it’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to question. But we are also called not to remain stuck in despair. We root our hope in God, even when we don't yet see the justice we long for. The world needs believers who can weep and witness at the same time. To flourish is not merely to thrive in peace. It is to walk in faithfulness, even in the fire.
The biblical picture of flourishing is rooted in shalom — a holistic, grounded peace that integrates body, mind, spirit, and community.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5
May our resilience be rooted in grace, shape by lament, and anchored in eternal hope.
References
Koch, K. (2022). Resilient kids: Raising them to embrace life with confidence. Moody Publishers.
New International Bible. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978).
VanderWeele, T. J. (n.d.). Human Flourishing Program. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/vanderweele-group/human-flourishing-program/
