A few years ago around Memorial Day weekend,

I was having a conversation with a longtime Chicago resident about my excitement for the pending warmer weather in the city. The gentleman I spoke to echoed some of my excitement, and yet expressed concerns as to how warmer weather meant an increase in gun violence in many Chicago neighborhoods. He particularly pointed to the warmer holidays in Chicago, including Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day as some of the deadliest times in the year. I had no idea that what had appeared to be an exciting time of the year in Chicago for me was not viewed that way for many others who live in gang territories and are at risk for themselves or loved ones being victims to gun violence.

Chicago has a national reputation as a city plagued with persistent gun violence. The endless media reports of senseless murders have led to a range of responses. Non-Chicagoans often view the city as a war zone to be avoided. Many Chicagoans are either fearful, which often results in a desire to flee the city, or to grow numb to what seems to be an unsolvable social problem. Politicians on both sides of the political spectrum often use shootings statistics to advance a particular political agenda.

For Christians, the gun violence in Chicago is not a call to become transient, as acted on by some, or hopeless, as expressed by others. Furthermore, gun violence is not a mere talking point to be used to score some political points. Instead, gun violence must be a call for fervent prayer, having a deep heart for the city and its residents. The idea of having a heart for the city is deeply rooted in scripture. In the Old Testament, God called the prophet Jonah to preach to the city of Nineveh to address their spiritual need. In the New Testament gospel of Luke, we see Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem recognizing the need (Luke 19:41-42).

We must never underestimate the transformative power of prayer for peace and safety for our city. Too often, we look to our elected officials to solve the problem of violence in our city. While policy changes have a role, it is essential that we never cease to pray and demonstrate a compassionate heart towards our city. This includes doing justice towards those who are at risk for being involved with gun violence in any way, mourning with and serving families who have lost loved ones as bystanders, and having a grace-filled perspective toward perpetrators.

The “issue” of gun violence in Chicago is not another statistic or excuse to leave and loathe the city. It is a spiritual problem that impacts human beings made in the image of God. Thus it is essential for Christians to be in constant prayer not just for the needs of our city, but also for a deep heart and love for the city.