This article leads me to make 2 pastoral points.

First, Scripture says that, "God is not a God of confusion but of peace." 1 Cor. 14:33. Therefore any action that breeds confusion, or perpetrates aggression against innocent people does not proceed from a holy source, but an unholy. While we, as Christians, are free to protest what we think is inequity we must not condone (much less participate in) the violence recently perpetrated. We must distinguish between the two because our God is "not a God of confusion".

Secondly, the article referenced a downtown bar owner whose business was ruined by rioters. She was upset at first but then concluded that, "she had no right to be upset because she was white." The woman, in believing that she deserves such abuse, and that she cannot escape it, appears to suffer from a strain of battered woman syndrome. May no person, or nation, ever be so hopelessly deceived by "the father of lies". (John 8:44) Your race is part of who God made you. It is a gift. Give him thanks. It is his very own image reflected in you.

Hear the Word of the Lord: "Do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature." 1 Cor. 14:20