How Christians Should Respond to the January 1, 2025 Terrorist Attacks
Sadly, once again on January 1, 2025, our nation was devastated by two shocking terrorist attacks. Unfortunately, this is no uncommon occurrence in the world we live. But how should Christians think and act in light of these common incidents? Let’s look at it.
In New Orleans, around 3:15am, nearing the end of a New Year’s Eve celebration, a truck was driven into a crowd that, as of the time of this writing, has claimed the lives of 15 and left dozens injured. Hours later, in Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a hotel caused further fatalities and injuries. These tragic events demand both our attention and a faithful Christian response.
It is so easy for Believers to respond in a variety of ways. Some of us have become numb to such events, seeing them so frequently on the news and social media platforms. Some of us respond in anger, demanding immediate action from legislators, law enforcement, and figureheads…NOW! Some of use know nothing else to do but to be saddened and weep. Not just to these tragedies, but with the commonality of events like these, and other tragedies around the world, how are Christians supposed to respond? Should we do anything about such events, or are we to just accept that this is the way the world is?
Yes, Christians, in the likeness of our Father, are creatures of action. We are to respond. We are to act. But how? Let me offer a few suggestions to encourage you to move and respond in a way that pleases God, even in these tragic circumstances.
1. Trust in God’s Omniscience
First, we must remember that God’s understanding is infinite. As Psalm 147:5 reminds us, “Great is our Lord and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.” While these terrorist attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas have shocked many, they are no surprise to Him. God’s omniscience assures us that He is neither unaware nor indifferent to these events.
The Bible is replete with reminders of God’s perfect knowledge. Hebrews 4:13 states, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” This means that even the darkest acts of humanity are fully known to God. He sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and is sovereign over all history, including moments of tragedy and chaos.
Trusting in God’s omniscience also calls us to rest in His divine plan. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” While we may not understand why such events occur, we can be assured that God is working all things for His glory and the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This trust doesn’t eliminate our grief or questions but anchors us in the truth that God is ultimately in control.
Furthermore, God’s knowledge is paired with His compassionate care. Psalm 34:18 reassures us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He is not a distant observer but an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). In moments like these, we are called to cast our burdens upon Him, knowing that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
2. Recognize the Sinfulness of Humanity
The terrorist attacks on January 1, 2025, are a stark reminder of the pervasive sinfulness of humanity. Romans 3:10 declares, “None is righteous, no, not one.” These acts of violence stem from the spiritual brokenness of our world. Each of us, apart from Christ, carries the potential for great evil. Jeremiah 17:9 warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?”
It is crucial to recognize that the devil is always at work, seeking opportunities to exploit human sinfulness. 1 Peter 5:8 cautions us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” These heinous acts are a vivid illustration of how Satan can influence and distort hearts already inclined toward sin.
While legislation and justice systems are necessary to restrain outward behavior, they cannot change the inner condition of humanity. Only the transformative power of the Gospel can renew hearts and redirect lives. Ezekiel 36:26 promises, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” As Christians, we must remain vigilant against sin’s influence in our own lives, resist the schemes of the devil, and hold fast to the truth that Christ alone is our hope and salvation.
3. Remember God’s Justice
Our God is a God of justice, and we trust that His justice will ultimately prevail. Psalm 89:14 states, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” As Christians, we are called to reflect God’s image by pursuing justice here on earth. Micah 6:8 reminds us, “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?” This means standing for what is right, seeking to protect the innocent, and holding the guilty accountable.
However, we must also remember that ultimate justice belongs to God. Romans 12:19 tells us, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Even when civil justice seems elusive or incomplete, we can trust that God’s justice is perfect and will be executed in His timing. Revelation 20:12 assures us that every deed will be accounted for: “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.”
This dual reality—that we are to act justly while trusting in God’s ultimate justice—calls us to both humility and hope. Even in the face of grievous injustices, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s justice is good, righteous, and eternal.
4. Pray for the Perpetrators and Victims
Prayer is one of the most powerful responses a Christian can offer in times of tragedy. Jesus commands us to pray for our enemies, saying in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” While it is difficult to pray for those who commit such heinous acts, it is a critical step in demonstrating Christlike love. We are called to ask God to convict the hearts of the perpetrators, bring them to repentance, and transform their lives through the power of the Gospel.
Equally important is praying for the victims and their families. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Let us intercede for their healing, comfort, and provision in the face of unimaginable loss. Ask God to surround them with His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and to raise up a community of believers to support and encourage them in this time of profound grief.
Persistent and heartfelt prayer also reminds us of our dependence on God and aligns our hearts with His purposes. In times of sorrow, prayer becomes a lifeline, connecting us to the One who is sovereign over all things and who works through our petitions for His glory and our good.
5. Intercede for the Spread of the Gospel
These tragic events underscore the urgent need for the Gospel to penetrate every corner of the world. Darkness and evil flourish where the light of Christ has not yet reached. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
As Christians, we are called to pray fervently for the spread of this light. Let us lift up missionaries, pastors, and fellow believers who are working tirelessly to bring the hope of Christ to the lost. Pray for boldness and clarity as they share the Gospel, for protection against spiritual and physical attacks, and for hearts to be softened to receive the truth of Jesus Christ.
Additionally, pray for revival within our own communities and nations. 2 Chronicles 7:14 promises, “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Let us intercede not only for distant lands but also for our neighbors, asking God to ignite a passion for His name and a hunger for righteousness.
In the wake of these terrorist attacks, prayer is not a passive response but an active and vital means of engaging with the spiritual battles around us. Through our prayers, we partner with God in His redemptive work, trusting that His Word will not return void but will accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 55:11).
6. Be Ready to Share the Gospel
The January 1, 2025, terrorist attacks remind us that the Gospel is the only hope for a world steeped in sin. Romans 10:14-15 challenges us with these words: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
Each of us, as followers of Christ, is sent into the world to proclaim the Good News. We must be on the lookout for opportunities to share the Gospel, whether through conversations with neighbors, acts of kindness to strangers, or intentional engagement in our communities. Sharing the hope of Christ requires courage and intentionality. Be bold in creating opportunities to speak of the One who redeems and restores.
Moreover, we must remember that it is God who prepares hearts to receive His message. Pray for the Holy Spirit to go before you, softening hearts and opening doors. Be faithful in planting seeds, knowing that the results are in God’s hands. The Gospel has the power to change hearts, transform lives, and bring light into the darkest corners of our world.
No amount of legislation or human effort can eradicate the evil intent of fallen humanity. Only Jesus can redeem and renew. As His ambassadors, let us be faithful in proclaiming the hope we have in Him.
A Call to Action
These terrorist attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas leave us with heavy hearts, but they also call us to action. Let us trust in God’s sovereignty, seek His justice, and be faithful in prayer. May we respond with compassion for the hurting, intercession for the lost, and a renewed commitment to the Gospel.
Evil may rage, but it will not have the final word. Christ has overcome sin and death, and in Him, we have hope that cannot be shaken. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
May we shine that light boldly in these dark times, pointing the world to the One who reigns forever.