News

This can either be welcome and good or unwelcome and devastating – items of significance may have long-term repercussions, affecting either us
or other people.

The spiritual bad news is we are all sinners and doomed to a lost eternity (Rom 3:23, 6:23). In contrast, the angel when announcing the birth of Christ to the shepherds said, “I bring you good news of great joy…” (Lk 2:10). Jesus declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor…” (Lk 4:18). This

The gospel is the greatest news of all – don’t keep it a secret

good news is the ‘gospel of salvation’ for fallen, guilty, condemned humanity, available through Jesus and the grace of the Kingdom of God (Mt 9:35; Lk 4:43; Jn 3:15-18; Act 8:35; Rom 5:8). Paul wrote, “It is good news that you are now walking with God” (1 Thes 3:6).

Job had lots of bad news all at once, yet he acknowledged God’s sovereignty and even in the heartache and suffering he still trusted in the goodness, mercy and love of God (Job 1:14-22, 2:10). What is my reaction to unfavourable news? Do I believe God is fully in control and provided I am walking uprightly, He will only permit what is ultimately for my good. Even though I may not always be protected from troubles He will help and comfort me in
them and so “I will bless the Lord at all times” (Ps 34:1; Rom 8:28; 2 Cor 1:4; 1 Thes 5:18).

We should empathize with others when sharing in their news – “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Rom 12:15).

Increasingly there is bias and distortion to much of the news we are bombarded with. Generally as the media organisations have their own agendas and seldom report on the true facts, but are selective in their coverage it is wise to have input from several sources to gain a balanced perspective.

See also: information, media, reaction.