This past week, we have been inundated with scenes of violence around our country.
In Louisville, KY, a man attempted to enter the predominantly African American First Baptist Church in Jeffersontown, KY, but was unable to enter because the doors were locked. He moved from there to the nearby Kroger where he shot and killed two people in the parking lot. Why? Because of their race.
Throughout the week, individuals and corporations received homemade bombs at their homes or places of business. Why? Because of their politics.
On Saturday, October 27, eleven people were gunned down in their synagogue in Pittsburgh, as they gathered for worship. Why? Because of their faith.
We live in a fractured world – separated by race, politics, faith, and so much more. What are we to do as followers of Christ? Within our church family, we have people on both sides of the aisle as it relates to politics. We have people that understand and practice their faith in different ways. Should we vilify each other because of this?
When I have questions like this that involve such strong emotions, I always look to Jesus. How did he treat people – the disenfranchised, the unwelcomed, those that disagreed with him. Here are his words from Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind. And, Love your neighbor as yourself.
And, who is our neighbor? Those that agree with us? Those that look like us? Those that vote like us? No – according to Jesus, in Luke 10:37, a neighbor is someone who shows mercy for everyone. Love God. Love People. That’s All.
As we move into this month where we focus on thanks and as we participate in 30 Days Of Thanks, my prayer is that our thanksgiving will move us to love – all God’s children.