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On May 1^st 1886 gatherings were held in many different cities all over the country in order to rally for the 8 hour work day with the largest of these gatherings being in Chicago. On May 3^rd a group of striking workers would end up in a confrontation that would lead to at least two workers being killed by police.

These events lead to a meeting at Haymarket Square in Chicago the next day. This event started calmly, so calmly that the mayor of Chicago who had come to witness the event went home early. As the last speaker was finishing the police ordered the crowd dispersed; trouble quickly followed.

As the police began marching toward the speaker’s wagon someone threw a pipe bomb into the policeman’s line immediately killing one policeman and setting off a riot that would last five minutes but would end up with the deaths of 8 policeman and 4 civilians. Some though reported as many as 50 deaths to go along with 60 wounded policemen and untold civilian injuries who never reported them because of fear of being punished for being at the riot.

Moving quickly through this story a trial was held for the killing of the policeman and 8 men were found guilty, with seven of those given the death penalty. Before it was all said and done four were hanged and one committed suicide the night before he was to be hanged.

During the trial no one argued the fact that none of these men threw the bomb. The person who threw the bomb was never established, he walked away free; they often do.

In life some people use their words and actions much like a bomb tossed at the police line at Haymarket Square. They cause emotional injury, spiritual chaos and in the end many innocent people are hurt by what they do.

We all know these people they dwell within our families, our neighborhoods and even unfortunately our churches. Their deeds are aptly timed to cause the most damage. They say or do them at family gatherings like weddings or reunions; but one of their favorite times is while a family grieves at a funeral.

They say there hurtful words or perform their irresponsible acts in the midst of church meetings and neighborhood gatherings. They care little for the group they have hurt and the people who are effected, what they are looking for is attention and they will grab it any way they can regardless of the adverse effects on others. Chaos is their friend; evil is their intent.

There is little you can do about others who are out to hurt. The most important thing for us is to be certain we never are one carelessly throws bombs:

1. Make sure your words are always seasoned with grace and your actions reflect your love for Christ. Don’t be an unintentional ‘bomb thrower’ by saying things carelessly or doing things without thinking through the consequences.
2. ‘Bombs’ are often found in information you know about others that came to your through gossip; shut it down! Gossip often explodes; make sure it stops with you. Or better yet do what it takes not to hear it. Gossips are one of the top ‘bomb throwers’ stay clear!
3. The Bible says to ‘not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good.’ One of my favorite all time verses. People seeking revenge often throw bombs; don’t get hung up on getting back at some one. Leave them in the hands of God who is just and will handle all situations. Revenge can overcome you and have you act in ways you never thought possible. Instead of giving back evil for evil; do a good thing instead. You would be surprised at how many bombs are diffused by following this verse.
4. At Haymarket it was reported that many of the wounds of the policemen came from friendly fire. In the dark they turned and just started shooting, unfortunately they hit the people on their side. Friendly fire hurts, because it hits those we love the most. Often we hurt those closest to us in stressful times. If you are under a great deal of stress; for example your unemployed, you have a big project due, you have a wedding approaching, or someone you loved just passed away, be careful to make sure you keep in mind the feelings and personalities of others. Friendly fire can be fatal to families and churches alike.

If you are ever tempted to drop bombs in the lives of others; remember Haymarket Square where one bomb destroyed the lives of many.

Scripture: Romans 12:19, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”

1 Timothy 5:13, “Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busy bodies, saying thing they ought not to.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, guide our hearts to be like yours. Help us to care for people and to not be ruled by our emotions but by your leading in our life. Help our words to be filled with grace and love for those we come in contact with. Forgive us where we have used words and actions in the past to hurt. We ask all these things in the name of Christ, Amen.