THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING
Earlier this month, a representative of a ransomware group made an encouraging promise. Ransomware is a form of computer hacking in which a company’s software is rendered unusable unless the company pays millions of dollars in ransom. Targets of such attacks this year include Colonial Pipeline, Kia Motors, and the National Basketball Association (NBA). But pressure from the White House may be having an impact. A spokesperson for ransomware group BlackMatter promised to leave crucial infrastructures alone. But computer security experts are skeptical. “The fact that a single group has said it will avoid attacks on critical infrastructure,” said Brett Callow, a threat analyst at Emsisoft, is “a meaningless nothing-burger.” Whether the word of computer hackers can be trusted is yet to be seen. The proof will be in the pudding.
THE PROOF IS IN THE LOVE
In our passage today, the apostle John writes that the evidence of someone’s faith will be his or her love shown toward others. As Paul had written previously, even the most laudable of actions are suspect if they are not done in love. Confessing the divinity of Jesus and living in God’s love is how we can identify those who truly belong to the Lord. The proof will be in our love.
Questions
- Who do you know who has been affected by hackers or other malicious computer users?
- When have you taken a wait-and-see approach on someone’s promise or claim?
- How can we be sure we are acting in love as we interact with others?
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