Good morning. Love and hate, two words that reflect extremes. Perhaps it is because I am now of an age where adjectives like “crotchety” begin to find their way into descriptions, but I don’t think so. It feels as though the chasm between groups of people has widened to an extreme level. We don’t bother to agree or disagree, or to love a little or hate a little, we feel compelled to do so with our whole heart. This is, to me, very sad. To see our country and culture so polarized is troubling.
Please allow me to share some personal thoughts on the subject.
Resentment prospers when hurt turns into hate.
Hatred rules when hearts become hardened to the possibility of another person being worthy of respect, or even prayer.
Harsh thoughts and judgements become common when we no longer seek peace with someone.
Love becomes unthinkable when we are convinced that those whose opinions differ from our own are dangerous, and shall we suggest it, evil.
Such judgmental positions are not of God. God’s Word gives us a far different view:
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:7
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (The Message)
May we seek peace, find ways to love, learn greater patience, accept new ways of acceptance, and be models of our Lord Jesus and His love.
Vern