Here is the day for the man, where is the man for the day?”

-Charles Spurgeon

In 2020 I worked as a Gresham Police Officer and went through an Officer Involved Shooting. I had a number of people in the Pd reach out to me for support that I have never worked with or really talked to that either offered prayer or made known their faith to me based on my circumstances. A number of us began to realize we had worked with each other for years and never once realized we were brothers in faith or moved in conversation further than the average talking that typically goes on in work. Hardly had we ever truly checked in on each other or held each other accountable unless it took something egregious happening. This reality convicted a number of us that as fellow brothers in Christ we need to do better about not only identifying fellow believers in an occupation like ours but then living that out in accountability and encouragement. Under the circumstances at our Pd, a few of us decided to make it happen and began meeting monthly. We as Christians are called to do this life together (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Proverbs 17:17, Hebrews 10:24-25), as “iron sharpens iron,”-Proverbs 27:17, and not alone. 

At our first gathering as a group we worked through Psalm 7. Some of the things we focused on was the humility presented by David under turmoil (v.1-5), the call still for repentance from our enemies (v.12), the scheming of enemies (v.14), and the reality that God is still in control and the righteous judge who even now is patiently “long-suffering” with his bow bent and readied (v.12). 

This allowed a number of further talking points which focused on the humble reality that we are all fallen and the only thing that separates us form “our enemies” is the Grace of God and how that should lead us to patience. This is an obvious struggle for us after these past couple years in law enforcement and was further pointed out that it is easier said than done. We discussed together that natural emotions like anger are not wrong (Ephesians 4:26), but allowing yourself to dwell on that anger which leads to hatred only gives the devil a foothold in our lives and does lead to sin. This is where we are called to encourage one another in the Spirit, humble ourselves in prayer, and seek out the Lord in His word. 

Our discussions focused on the reality of what we as Christians face today, and what that may look like for us here and now. The reality is the growing world view and ideologies we are up against object to the reality of a universal truth and accountability. As we see more and more, everything is becoming arbitrary and relative. The intent of the original person is rejected when examined through a cultural lens that is based in materialism and the perception of the one on the receiving end. We are warned in scripture to not conform to the patterns of the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, then we will be able to test and affirm what Gods Will is, His good, pleasing and perfect Will (Romans 12:2). 

Nothing is new under the sun. First century Christians were referred to as “uneducated, common men..” (Acts 4:5-21)…sounds familiar. We are called as Christians to stand firm (Ephesians 6) and be patient in affliction (Romans 12:12). The language used for standing firm is not passive, but a battle stance of soldiers holding the line. When it gets dark, we are meant to be the light. When our society begins to rot and decay, we are called to be the salt that preserves what is good. Leadership is going to come and go. Many of us saw how this affects the culture of a department not only in the military but also in police and sheriff departments. My fellow vets will also tell you that the culture and direction of a company and unit is due to the front line supervisors and the guys on the ground, not a city council disconnected from the reality of our job or a county commission. We know the reality of our agencies and the good work that is done. As believers, we can either be discouraged by the false accusations of bigotry, or lean on our truth of God’s Word and encourage our brothers and sisters to stand firm and press on. 

We know that ultimately our warfare is not carnal and that we have been equipped with the truth that destroys arguments and the lofty opinions of man (2 Corinthians 10:4). We either believe that our King currently sits at the right hand of the Father, making His enemies his footstool, or we don’t. (Psalm 110:1, Hebrews 10:12-13, 1 Corinthians 15:25, Hebrews 1:13, Ephesians 1:20-22, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20:42-43, Acts 2:34-35, Matthew 22:42-46, 1 Peter 3:22, Psalm 8:6, Colossians 3:1, Mark 16:19,) As you can see by the references, this is known as “God’s favorite verse” by commentators. Our King does not leave us with a spirit of fear. 

We have natural fear, Godly fear, and sinful fear. Natural fear is our fight or flight which is healthy and most of the time in this job keeps us alive. Godly fear is a healthy fear that derives from wisdom of an eternal sovereign God that made everything by Him, for Him and through Him (Romans 11:36). Sinful fear is the fear of man and the things in this life we can not control. Christ tells us to fear the one that can kill the body and destroy the soul. When we give the power of fear to man and evil, we open ourselves up to further sin. This is in the form of anxiety and the mind wandering down the never ending rabbit holes of what if and what now. Many of us have had to battle these anxieties at different times in our careers. No good fruit is born from it. Puritan writer John Flavel emphasized that from this anxiety comes fear of situations and trials that in reality will probably never take place. This is the foothold given to the devil. This makes us susceptible to anger, retaliation, slander, false speak or corruption. I think many of us find ourselves in this battle today. Instead of using the energy we do have to encourage one another, seek the Lord in prayer or His word, we jump to the natural grumbles and fears of things that “may” come. 

The point I’m making is not to be false optimist with our heads in the ground. But we have been given an opportunity to show those around us within our influence that there is a hope and truth we can grasp and stand firm through in Christ. (Ecclesiastes 10:4) I hope the above discussion gives you context of where the Lord has led me these past couple years and the convictions of what being a man of faith means with a badge and a gun. Through this Responders by Grace was formed.

Responders by Grace was established as a place for open dialogue and encouragement for us fellow followers of Christ within our departments and also for those that aren’t professing but are here humbly with questions or looking for encouragement.

I know we all come from different back grounds, presuppositions and more than likely denominations within the faith or no church experience at all. This group is not meant to be formal but a place that as Responders we can feel comfortable challenging, encouraging and sharpening each other in a life of service for our Lord and King. To keep from any division in the future and encouragement in whatever we face, Responders by Grace stands on these principles of truth:

1.     When issues and discussions come up our standard and humility is based on the authority of Gods Word and openness to listen and respect opinions or questions that are raised.  (2 Timothy 3:10-17)

2.     We preach Christ and Him crucified. (1 Corinthians 1:23)

3.     We are saved by God Grace, so that no man can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

4.     Biblical Love does not condone sin, but confronts it with truth. (1 Corinthians 13:6, John 7:24, Ephesians 5:11) 

On this sight you will find the option to contact us and ask questions. This will prompt leadership in this group to follow up and direct you to a message forum where our groups communication takes place. Currently our group has moved all communication to the platform SLACK for day to day messages and updates. Our prayer and hope is to identify and encourage believers in the environments and departments they serve in and provide resources to have intentional and healthy careers on and off duty.

-James Doyle-