City in Turmoil

The news coming out of Minneapolis is heavy.

Anger. Grief. Confusion. Fear.

Strong opinions flying in every direction.

Voices shouting past one another instead of listening.

Moments like this remind us how fragile our world really is—and how quickly unrest rises when trust, justice, and peace feel broken.

As followers of Jesus, we should never be indifferent to turmoil. Scripture consistently calls us to care about suffering, injustice, and the brokenness of our world. But it also calls us to respond differently than the world does.

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18)

That verse doesn’t deny conflict exists. It acknowledges it—and then places responsibility on God’s people to pursue peace even when it’s hard.

The Bible gives us language for moments like this: lament.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Before we rush to conclusions, post opinions, or take sides, Scripture invites us to pause and grieve. Cities don’t erupt in turmoil without real pain underneath. People don’t cry out unless something feels deeply wrong.

Lament slows us down.

It softens our hearts.

It reminds us that every headline involves image-bearers of God.

Being careful not to be political does not mean being careless about truth or justice.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

Justice matters to God.

So does kindness.

So does humility.

Scripture refuses to let us elevate one while ignoring the others. When justice is pursued without humility, it becomes harsh. When kindness is detached from truth, it becomes shallow. God calls His people to hold all three together.

The temptation in times of turmoil is to believe that if only the right people were in charge or if only the right ideas won, everything would be fixed.

But the Bible gently corrects us:

“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:3)

Our hope has never rested in governments, movements, or leaders—good or bad. Our hope rests in a King whose throne is unshakable.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)

How Then Should We Respond?

In moments like this, Christians are called to be:

    •    Slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19)

    •    Peacemakers, not fire-starters (Matthew 5:9)

    •    Lights in darkness, not echoes of outrage (Matthew 5:14–16)

We pray.

We love.

We speak truth with grace.

We refuse to dehumanize anyone—because Jesus didn’t.

Cities may shake.

Systems may fail.

Voices may clash.

But the people of God stand on something unmovable.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

In times of turmoil—whether in Minneapolis or anywhere else—may we be known not for our volume, but for our faithfulness. Not for our outrage, but for our hope. Not for taking sides, but for pointing to the Savior who alone can heal hearts and ultimately make all things new.