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U.S. NEWS

Another Guilty Verdict

We’re back with your second week straight of historic legal news. This week, a jury in Delaware found the president’s son, Hunter Biden, guilty on three gun charges.

It’s the first time a sitting president’s child has been convicted of a crime. 

The 54-year-old was convicted of lying about drug use on an application to buy a gun, lying to a gun dealer, and illegally possessing a gun. The trial featured long audio clips from Hunter Biden’s memoir, plus emotional testimony from his ex-wife and sister-in-law. The jury announced its unanimous guilty verdict after three hours of deliberations.

The president’s son faces up to 25 years in prison and $750K in fines. But since it's his first conviction and it's nonviolent, he'll probably receive less punishment. 

Hunter left the courtroom without talking to the press. President Biden said he would always “love and support” his son and promised to “respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.” He’s said in the past that he wouldn’t pardon his son. 

Separately, Hunter faces another trial in California starting September 5 over avoiding taxes.

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RADIATE HOPE
In this divisive political climate, followers of Christ have an opportunity to show that we won’t be shaken by news that shakes the world. The word of God is a solid foundation, and we root for justice while showing love for all parties—whether world-famous celebrities or random people. 

“The Rock—his work is perfect; all his ways are just. A faithful God, without bias, he is righteous and true.”
Deuteronomy 32:4 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to model for my kids?
Focusing on the eternally important.

Both this trial and the trial of former President Trump have consumed the media cycle. 

These things may not be wrong to follow, but neither should they consume our attention. We want to model being captivated by Christ, busy serving others, and focused on eternity—not political trials.

We will do the most good in our world when we appreciate the surpassing significance of the next.

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
If you find yourself pleased when something goes wrong for your (political) enemies, slow down for a heart check.

When his own opponents took him to trial and sentenced him to death, Jesus was grieved by their sin, had compassion, and prayed for them (Luke 23:33-34). He modeled loving his enemies when their sin against him was at its deepest and darkest.

1 Corinthians 13 describes love as having “no joy in unrighteousness” (13:4-6). We are missing the mark of loving our enemies if we feel happy when bad things happen to them. Instead, ask God to make you patient and kind, helping you put down the scorekeeping pencil to “keep no record of wrongs.”

• For each family member, think of someone who disagrees with you (whether they vote for a different politician, cheer on a different sports team, or just rub you the wrong way). Next time you see them, do something to show them love: an encouraging note, a homemade gift, an act of service like carrying groceries, a prayer, a hug…
  

• Memorize Colossians 3:2-3, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (CSB).
  

• Pray for your family’s unexpected kindness to shine the light of Christ to your neighbors, friends, and enemies.

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As our kids grow, so will their exposure to the news. And, well… that’s terrifying.

Today's news cycle is constant, divisive, and often depressing. Without guidance, most people allow news outlets to drive their emotions and worldviews. Or they end up completely unplugging.

Decaf is designed to help parents raise children to have a spiritually healthy relationship with the news. 

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