You don’t have to look far to read about or hear about a tragedy that has struck some part of our world. Whether it’s a suicide bombing, a school shooting, a senseless murder or natural disaster, all we seem to be bombarded with is constant negative news.

I remember scrolling through my Facebook feed recently and every other post was a report on a disaster somewhere in the world. I actually cannot remember a time when we had this many bad things happening in our world, all at the same time.

So, what is your response when bad things happen? Many well-meaning people try to comfort people with their words or try to make sense somehow of the tragedy.

So what are some things you shouldn’t say when bad things happen?

  1. Everything happens for a reason: Well sometimes, things just happen. Especially evil things, they are senseless and cruel. The only reason they happened is because someone chose to inflict hurt and pain on others.
  2. God is punishing you/them: I’m sorry but I do not believe that God sends tragedy on people because He is punishing them. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9 that God is patient with us, not wanting anyone to be destroyed, but rather see us turn to Him. I know there will come a day when evil will be eradicated from the earth and people will answer for the atrocities they have committed, but that day is not now. God is eagerly calling people to know Him.
  3. It must be somebody’s fault: Many times we are looking for someone to blame. After all, it must somebody’s fault. But sadly there isn’t always someone or something to blame. Sometimes bad things happen for no apparent reason. They happen to good people, they happen to bad people. It is a part of life. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is just listen, be there for people and pray.

Pray that God will turn the situation around. Pray that evil does not prosper. Pray that people find God in the midst of the chaos and tragedy.

So the next time you feel tempted to give your opinion on the why or what behind a tragedy, just remember: you don’t have to say anything. Just be there, listen and pray.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

To know more about this love for yourself, click on the link below or on the pop up.