Political Violence in Minnesota
Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, are dead, and Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, are injured after a gunman went on an overnight shooting spree with apparent plans to target dozens of elected officials. Authorities say the suspect, who was later taken into custody near his home, had a target list of more than 40 Democrat lawmakers and attempted to harm at least two additional officials at their homes on the night of the attack.
As prosecutors prepare their case against the suspect, elected officials on both the federal and state levels are reassessing their current security protocol.
Analysis and eternal perspective: Political violence has become something of the norm in the United States. It is an uncomfortable truth, but truth nonetheless. It is occurring at an increasing rate and at all points on the political spectrum.
It is on that last point that we as The Equipped have an opportunity and a biblical obligation to lead the way. In the wake of political violence, a great deal of the conversation is always about the political persuasions of the perpetrator, and there is significant effort made to blame the rhetoric and the views of one political faction or another for the violence.
The truth each of us must face is that politically motivated violence is happening across the political spectrum and each us should stand against it within our own partisan camps and affiliations. Scripture is clear about this need for self-reflection, including the importance of holding each other accountable.
We are to sharpen each other (Pr. 27:17), stir up each other to love and good works (Heb. 10:24), and yes, even rebuke each other when required (Pr. 27:5-6).
Proverbs 27:5-6 says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
Each of us should be able to clearly and unequivocally condemn the violence that occurred in Minnesota this week. It would be easy to leave it there. But let’s together go the next step and be willing to address the festering problem that exists in our own political camp. This week, how can you positively impact the tone of the debate and the health of those who share your political affiliations?
It is not enough for a follower of Jesus to simply be against evil actions. How can you stir up those around you to love and good works? That is our mission this week as The Equipped family.
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.