Read Time: 4 min 26 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

POLITICS

Gunshots while Golfing

Former President Trump faced a second assassination attempt last weekend.

Mr. Trump was golfing at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday afternoon. The Secret Service walked ahead of him, and an agent spotted a rifle peeking out of a bush. The agent opened fire, and the suspect ran away before he could shoot at the former president. Local police tracked the suspect down, and he appeared in court on Monday.

The suspect is a 58-year-old with a big online presence. He used to support Trump but then stopped liking him and started posting some not-so-nice things about him. He's a big supporter of Ukraine. He has a criminal history, and several people had told authorities he was dangerous. He had been camping out at the golf course for 12 hours waiting for Mr. Trump.

The former President has had boosted security since the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania two months ago. But some people say it still isn’t enough. The Secret Service says it needs more money to further increase security around presidents. The White House agreed that the Secret Service could use more coin in its piggy bank.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
In times of fear and violence, we turn to “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). Join us in praying for peace to overcome our nation.

Almighty God… Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our freedoms, and unite the many brought here out of many peoples and languages. Give the spirit of wisdom to those whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home… We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, “For Our Nation,” #39.

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
Where true security is found.

The Secret Service getting the resources they need to protect presidents is a good and important thing. But the most sophisticated security in the world can’t protect us from death. It will someday catch up with us all.

Our ultimate security comes from Jesus, the only one who has ever beaten death. Through his resurrection, Jesus “swallowed” death in victory (Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:54). When we walk with him, we are safer than ever.

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
Loving an enemy means wanting the best for them. 

When we dislike or disagree with someone, our sinful nature tempts us to celebrate when something bad happens to them or––in the case of this suspected shooter with former President Trump––even to try to cause them harm. 

Loving our enemies doesn’t mean they become our besties. It means we want (and even seek)the best for them. Knowing Christ and doing God’s will is the ultimate best.  We can pray for other good things, too (for this suspected shooter, we can pray for a just trial, fair treatment, mental health, spiritual transformation, etc.). Praying for our enemies helps us love them as God does (Matthew 5:44-45).

• Look up the names of your local government officials (for example, the Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Treasurer, Senator, Delegate). Save a list and pray for them by name.

• Memorize 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting?” (CSB)

• Pray for the good of someone you dislike or disagree with. Be specific!

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