Learning the Value of Life

2nd Corinthians 1 reminds us that we can experience the Lord's comfort, even in the midst of suffering:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

This is a world that is full of suffering - a sinful world, where people who are steeped in sin do sinful things.  And, even when individuals resort to violence and take the life of another, when there is loss in our lives, we can know that God is present with us, and while we may not understand why unspeakable tragedies happen, we can know His sustaining hand and His unconditional love.

2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 can serve as an encouraging passage when we suffer in life, the loss of a friend or loved one, or circumstances that can shake our faith:
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

The Auburn football team, Auburn family, and state of Alabama are still reeling from the events Saturday night at the University Heights apartment complex near campus, where 2 former players and another young man were shot and killed.   One current player and 2 others were injured, one of whom is still fighting for his life at the UAB Hospital.   This comes on the heels of the triple murder in Montgomery, including 2 children.

And, while police are still looking for the Auburn shooter, friends of the victims, those that live in the complex and around the campus, are searching for answers.   And, while apparently the gunman had squared off against others at the party because of a woman, that type of conflict - or other conflict - does NOT warrant taking the life of another.

Auburn police chief Tommy Dawson said:

"I'm saddened by this. This is very much an unusual event for the City of Auburn and Auburn University. It's sickening that these young lives were cut short. And also the shooter is such a young man. As a society, we have to learn the value of life again. If I could bring them back today for their parents, I would..."

He's right, you know - we have a culture that is saturated with violence, and at the same time our view of the value of human life is declining.   If we were to see each other truly as creations of the Most High God, born with innate worth and dignity, wouldn't it make a huge difference in the way we behave toward each other, the words we speak, and the restraint from doing harm?  

Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik has a huge task on his hands, to provide comfort and strong leadership in the midst of a tragedy that has touched the lives of some of his players.  He said:

"Nobody should ever have to endure such unimaginable grief, and we will love and support the victims' families during this terribly difficult time. We have a lot of people on our football team that are hurting right now and we're going to do everything we can to help them get through this...This is a very trying time for everyone involved, and I would just ask that you lift up the victims and their families in your prayers."

I can echo that - we can pray for God's healing touch, for the recovery of those who were injured and survived, and for the emotional healing of those who are family members, friends, neighbors, and perhaps witnesses.   And, we can pray for people to turn to the comforting hand of a loving, Almighty God, who understands sorrow and tragedy and can bring peace amidst confusion and hope when all seems lost.   This incident did not take God by surprise, and I am confident that He can and will work in the midst of the fallout in order to show Himself faithful and perhaps draw people who are not trusting Him or don't even know Him to Himself.