Dear Christians…

I remember when 9/11 devastated our country and the energy all pointed to “we’re going to war,” filled the airwaves in one way or another. Even as a young 7th grader, I was impressed by the unity of our nation, to set aside differences and advocate for each other. Why? Because in war, there are no winners.

Fast forward to present day, Russia attacks Eastern Ukraine. And as I scroll through social media, I’m not only heartbroken by the news and victims of heinous acts of war, but also by the immaturity in response (or lack thereof). I want to offer a few considerations and encouragements as Christ-followers as a humble plea to be mindful of our neighbor.

1. Resist the instinctual business as usual. Ignorance is not bliss, especially as believers. You may have hundreds of thousands of followers who are dying to know what products you use or brands who are expecting posts or content lined up discussing your niche. But there are also hundreds of thousands trying to escape Eastern Ukraine and seek refuge. And there are probably thousands of US troops and allies mobilizing to defend against attacks. Take a moment from the safety of your life to, at the very least, pause, listen, reflect, and pray.

2. Don’t post jokes about WW3 or a draft. I know for many, comedy is a form of coping with trauma. But I’ve already seen insensitive jokes about a draft. Just know the gravity of how serious this situation is. There are young men and women already activated to fight. That is a reality no mother or father wishes for. Be sensitive to families who have active military on the ground.

3. Suppress your political soapbox rants. Don’t let your politics override your position as Christ’s ambassador. I’ve noticed my Twitter feed spew on a trending #Bidenisafailure hashtag. And in my curiosity, I discovered many of these “Christians” offered no petition prayer for Ukrainians, empathy, or compassion for the ones suffering. Listen, I am far from a fan of Biden’s decisions and many crucial policies. But quite frankly, listing all the political failures of an individual or party yields no comfort or support to those fearing for their lives. Let’s be better bearers of others’ burdens (Galatians 6:2), in this moment, over ranting and debating. There is an appropriate time for that. Read the room. Know the moment.

4. Consider against an apathetic ‘que será será’ theology. It may or may not be a wildly popular stance, but there are those who believe that this heightened threat of imminent war needs to “happen or play itself out” in order for “God’s will to be done.” That’s twisted. 2 Peter 3:9 states that God’s desire is that no man shall perish. God’s will is NOT death, destruction, disease, or disaster.

5. Don’t diminish the weight of prayers. Prayers of a righteous man availeth much. The scriptures are filled with instances of God listening to the heart cry of His people. And intercession of the saints is/can break down strongholds. Listen, these attacks have bigger implications than just Ukraine. We need to pray that the forces protecting the Chernobyl footprint can stand their ground, so as to not damage nuclear containment which could affect all of Europe. We are also praying that China, another nuclear threat, doesn’t invade Taiwan. Pray for miracles, pray for divine interventions, pray for supernatural protection.

6. Be conscious of who this affects directly. They could be your neighbors. Chicagoland is home to the largest population of Ukrainian immigrants. The city even commemorates this rich history, naming a neighborhood Ukrainian Village. This means there are quite possibly those in your own neighborhoods and communities which you can tangibly stand with, pray for, grieve alongside. Now is not the time to isolate and alienate. Welcome the stranger and foreigner.

7. Cling to the truth that God is still good. And help others realize the same. Let’s put others above ourselves, in thought and in deed. Let’s lift up and encourage. Let’s be light-bearers and salt carriers. Let’s reflect God’s nature to our neighbors. And let’s uphold justice by defending those in need. Don’t grow weary in doing good. Our world needs it. “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” Psalm 140:12