"Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow, black and white. They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world."
Our nation is suffering from a great deal of loss currently. My heart breaks for all those suffering. This world is filled with so much hate. It seems as incidents occur the hatred in others hearts begins to flourish. Let us not forget that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image. As a child of God, you are patterned in his own image. Do not be deafened by the noise of the world or that of your own thinking. As my heart breaks, I turn to God. After praying and reading his word, I discovered it is mentioned over fifty times in the Bible to love. We are to love even in this time of darkness.
Mark 12:31 says, "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."
Romans 12:17 says, " Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone."
Luke 6:27 says, "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you."
Matthew 5:9 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
Matthew 5:38-42 says, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
These scriptures may be hard to digest, but loving someone is not easy, especially if it is your enemy. Love is described in the Bible as being patient and kind. It does not envy or boast. It is not proud. It does not dishonor other nor is it self-seeking. Love is not easily angered. It keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. This nation needs love. This nation needs God.
1 John 4:8 "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
I pray for this nation to find love in their hearts. I pray for this nation to undergo a revival. I pray that this nation becomes united as one. I pray for every individual living in this country to find peace, love, and strength in their hearts.
Love your neighbor as yourself. It does not get bolder than that. I challenge you to smile at someone today. Open the door for someone. Go out of your way to say to hello. Shake the hand of a veteran. Pray for your enemy. Refrain from harsh words. Get out there and love somebody!
Go out of your way to love! #lovesomebody.