We were horrified at the news from Sri Lanka this past Sunday, where terrorists affiliated with ISIS bombed Christian churches during their Easter services.

The pictures of a statue of Jesus, splattered with worshippers’ blood, was especially appropriate & symbolic (Colossians 1:24 (NET): “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body—for the sake of his body, the church—what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.” Jesus’ sufferings continue in the suffering of his Church.)

Ajith Fernando, a Sri Lankan pastor & ministry leader was supposed to have been in services at one of the attacked churches, but was absent due to illness. He has a powerful post in Christianity Today:

Whenever tragedy hits a nation, Christians need to ask how to think biblically in response to the situation. As Christianity is a body religion, it is best that groups of Christians meet and discuss a common response to the challenges. We cannot delay our response. There are both immediate responses and more long-term responses to heal the wounds of our people.

I have thought of at least six necessary responses from Christians to what has happened: