We have been shocked and saddened to hear about the horrific deaths of a Brisbane mother and her three, young children.

In what appears to be an appalling incident of domestic abuse, we feel a deep sadness as images of the once-happy-looking family are splashed over our media.

One of my facebook friends shared a news report of the incident, and the simple comment was, ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’

It is right for us to long for the return of Christ to come and bring an end to this world full of sin, death, and tragedy.

It is right for us to long for Jesus’ return to judge the living and the dead, and to bring justice to those who have been victims of harm and abuse.

And above all, it is right for us to long for a time when those who trust in Jesus will live in the new heavens and the new earth, a world with no more tears.

For this to happen, we need to pray for judgement and justice, and we need to ask for God to punish those who have committed crimes against the innocent.

Yet as we we ask for justice, we all need to plead for mercy, for the Bible tells us that all of us have rebelled against God and deserve his judgement.

However the greatest miracle of all is that Jesus, the judge, promises to take the punishment we deserve upon his own shoulders, and now look at us as though we had never committed any wrongdoing, ever.

All we need do is ask for his forgiveness, and trust in him as our loving ruler for life.

For we read these powerful and comforting words in the Bible:

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. (Romans chapter 5 verses 8 and 9)

JODIE McNEILL

(Image of flowers from a make-shift memorial, near where the family died. From ABC News).

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890
ReachOut at au.reachout.com
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774

It is tragic that one of the most beautiful concepts within the Bible is so easily distorted and used to harm others.

This concept is the equal and complementary roles within marriage that help us understand the glorious service of Jesus for the church, and his self-sacrificial love for Christians.

Yet sadly, we live in a world where sin and selfishness lead us to disobey God and to harm others for our own benefit.

This is why domestic abuse is a reality amongst people in our society, including Christians in the church.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, including women, children and men, no matter where you live, your culture or religion, or your level of education.

But as we consider this, we must remember that domestic abuse is not just about getting angry or being in a bad relationship.

Instead, domestic abuse is a “pattern of behaviour, based on exerting power and control over another, causing fear and intimidation” (www.knowdomesticabuse.church).

The Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney has recently produced an excellent website, with printed support material, to help promote and support safer environments “that recognise equality between all people, including husbands and wives and promote a culture of healthy relationships of mutual responsibility and respect in marriages, families and congregations”.

Please visit the www.knowdomesticabuse.church website to read more about how to respond to domestic abuse in your home or in the lives of others you know.

And as this website reminds us, we must remember that the Bible “rejects all abuse, whether physical, verbal, or otherwise expressed from one person towards another and always condemns the misuse of power to control or exploit others. Therefore domestic abuse is evil.”

Are you or someone you know living with domestic abuse? Talk to someone at church you trust, or visit the www.knowdomesticabuse.church website.

JODIE McNEILL

During March and April, Anglican Christians throughout Wollongong and beyond will be wearing ‘Jesus is___’ t-shirts and other merchandise.

We’re praying that it will get lots of people talking and thinking about the identity of Jesus.

You might think that it’s a bit ‘out there’ wearing it, but a really good reason to put it on is because you want to show that you’re not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus!

As we read in 1 Peter 4:16, “…if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name”

So the first reason to wear a “Jesus Is___” t-shirt is to go public for Jesus, to be unashamed that you’re connected to Christ.

For we know it’s only by calling on the name of Jesus that people can be saved (Acts 4:10, 12), and that means we need to get people talking about Jesus.

The second big reason to go public this way is to harness the power of synergy… that we can achieve more together than the sum of our individual efforts.

One person wearing a ‘Jesus is___’ t-shirt won’t be noticed for long, but if hundreds of people from across the region do, then it will create an impact.

Or, instead of a t-shirt, you could try a small badge on your lapel, or wear a wrist-band, or a “Jesus is ___” coffee keep cup, or a bumper sticker for your car or pencil case.

You could even just change your Facebook profile picture to temporarily include the ‘Jesus is ___’ artwork.

The third big reason is that when you wear it, someone might ask you, “what’s the deal with all those T-shirts… I keep seeing them everywhere!”

And you can be ready to answer: “We’re interested in people’s opinions. How would you complete that sentence?”

Let’s pray for lots of great conversations about Jesus.

SANDY GRANT with JODIE McNEILL