Where’s the love?
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.” (James 2:8) This is James quoting Jesus, quoting Deuteronomy. It’s a mandate from God, Himself.
As I observe our nation and the popularization of polarization, the hailing of hatred, and the current climate, I yearn for us to lift God’s laws above our selfish and petty preferences, prejudices, unmeasured words, and reckless reactions of any type.
We are all human and in need of God’s grace. Our differences of genetics, jobs, and opinions are not worth the divisions, pains, and even deaths they cause. I’m a bit sickened by our national discourse and behavior… and you should be, as well.
“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” (Matthew 12:25)
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:7-12)
I don’t have the answers to everything, but I can point to who does. We all answer to Him. I’m praying for our nation, but healing begins with each of our hearts.
Dr. Kevin Garrett has served for over thirty years in the areas of music ministry, student ministry, recreation ministry, education ministry, and as a pastor. He has written curricula for youth and adult ministries for LifeWay Christian Resources. Kevin’s passion is to help individuals become spiritually healthy and lead healthy churches. He has a keen interest in helping leaders and churches find vision and engage with all generations within the challenges of the twenty-first century. He holds a BS in Education and an MA in Music from Jacksonville State University. He also holds an MDiv, DMin from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, with specializations in church health and next generation ministries. He and his wife, Tina, joyfully serve as pastor of First Baptist Church of Atmore, AL. The two enjoy time with their children, Geoffrey and Sydney Garrett, and Nelson and Brooke Garrett, as well as with their grandchildren, Jaden, Ariel, and Elise. To read more of his work visit his website.
Feature Image by Scripture-Images
Correct, We all must learn that Life is God. Ask yourself: Am I living the life that approaches the supreme good? Am I demonstrating the healing power of Truth and Love? If so then the way will grow brighter “unto the perfect day.” Your fruits will prove what the understanding of God brings to man.
Your Friend – His Servant,
Ev. Isaac Otieno