Compassion for those affected by disasters

We have been saddened by the reports coming out of the Los Angeles area wildfires with their tremendous loss of life and property. Although some politicians find this to be a reason to blame opponents, most of the emotional response has been compassion.
I saw on Facebook that one of my high school classmates lost everything in the fire and people are rallying from all over the country to help her cover some short-term expenses.
Rising population has led to people more often being in the way of natural processes. Scientists are warning that human actions are contributing to climate change, including stronger storms and more weather extremes. It’s above my pay grade to comment on the science of it all, but I can affirm the biblical teaching that the wrath of God is God allowing the consequences of our behaviors to happen.
If we build homes in wildfire or hurricane areas, we will have to deal with wildfires and hurricanes, crossing our fingers and hoping we’re never in the bullseye of a disaster. If we continue to rely on carbon-based energy, the evidence is that a warming atmosphere will lead to more extreme weather events.
Some of these issues need to be addressed in long-term planning and policy. But today, when our neighbors find themselves in path of fire and storm, the response needs to be compassion. Our hearts need to go out to those who are facing unimaginable fire and wind, or those who experience a once-in-a-thousand-year rainfall, or a tsunami.
A weather event, “an act of God,” could happen to any one of us. How would we want people to react to our misfortune?
Many small gifts add up to make a difference and there are many great organizations that respond to disasters. Find a way through church or charity to donate money to alleviate suffering and start the recovery. Be a compassionate person who looks to both immediate and long-term responses to disasters.
Rev. Loren Olson, D.Min.
Transitional Pastor,First Presbyterian Church, Kasson