I feel numbed by this week’s events.
We’re all searching for solutions. But these solutions tend to deal with the symptoms: Hate, prejudice, racism. None deal with the root cause: Unforgiveness, hurt, ignorance. In our search for answers, we need to remember that bandaids only cover up the issue, but real solutions address the root cause.
Perhaps the answers are in the life Jesus taught – love centered, quick to forgive, slow to anger, grace filled – in his life on our Earth. As much as we call for the governments to make laws, or society to change, ultimately change comes from you. Let’s all stop filling our social feeds with links, and start being the change you want to see. This isn’t the easy or fast solution, but it’s the one that has the best chances to really fight the evils we see.
Love and cherish everybody, even those who hate you, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. God’s loves all, so who are we to pick and choose? By loving on someone who has never been loved, you destroy the hatred and fear within them. Your example teaches them how to love others in turn.
End hate by attacking the fear, hurt and unforgiveness that powers it. Love the people around you. Immerse yourself in the communities of people you don’t know anything about. Ultimately, we must begin within ourselves. Real change can only happen when we first change. It’s the old drip in a calm pond cliche. Our circle of influence begins to change with us.
Time for me to look inside and deal with myself. Then forgive, so that I’m free to love the people God has put in my life. I’m not perfect, but the love He gives me is, and there is power in that.
Luke 6: 27-36
Matthew 22:34-40 (highlight verse 39)
1 Corinthians 13:13