My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12-13
Good Morning weary one,
It seems on the surface that the world is a frightening place. Jim and I are still quarantining. Going outside in public seems daunting. And now racism is once again rearing its ugly head. It was always there, but now its headlines on the news, on our streets, and occupying our mind space. If you are like me, I weigh the right to protest with abhorring the violence and rooting. How can we make our voices heard? How can we make a difference? The issues loom so large; change seems out of reach. As I lay in bed last night, this verse from John keep swirling in my head and I had a new understanding of this verse. It brings me new hope. Let me explain.
To lay down one’s life does not necessarily mean to die. It means to die to self interest and truly demonstrate love for another. I see this in the brave first responders. They are putting aside their lives, their wants, their desire for fun and distraction and lovingly serving their fellowman. Nurses leaving their families and risking their lives to care for Covid 19 patients. Clerks in stores are loving as Jesus commanded to make sure we have food on our tables. And protesters leaving their homes and the comfort therein and walking in the streets demonstrating their love for people of color who are denied basic rights. If we really look carefully, we see love in action. Thousands upon thousands laying aside their lives in the service of others. Let us look for the good. The innate goodness in all of us. Look deeply into your own heart. Drop the idea of separateness and think, “Just like me.” He desires love and respect, just like me. He wants a good paying job, just like me. She wants equal opportunity, just like me. She wants quality healthcare, just like me. When we confess with our mouth and lay aside our wants to work to achieve equality, we are loving as Jesus commanded us to love. What can you do? How do you lay down your life for your friend? Please start by being kind in your words and actions to those who differ from you in color, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Start a revolution of loving others who crave acceptance; just like me. Be the change you want to see. I ask you this week to see the good, loving people laying down their lives for their friends and the world becomes a better and less scary place for us all.
Spread the love, see joy in the possible,
Linda
Good Morning weary one,
It seems on the surface that the world is a frightening place. Jim and I are still quarantining. Going outside in public seems daunting. And now racism is once again rearing its ugly head. It was always there, but now its headlines on the news, on our streets, and occupying our mind space. If you are like me, I weigh the right to protest with abhorring the violence and rooting. How can we make our voices heard? How can we make a difference? The issues loom so large; change seems out of reach. As I lay in bed last night, this verse from John keep swirling in my head and I had a new understanding of this verse. It brings me new hope. Let me explain.
To lay down one’s life does not necessarily mean to die. It means to die to self interest and truly demonstrate love for another. I see this in the brave first responders. They are putting aside their lives, their wants, their desire for fun and distraction and lovingly serving their fellowman. Nurses leaving their families and risking their lives to care for Covid 19 patients. Clerks in stores are loving as Jesus commanded to make sure we have food on our tables. And protesters leaving their homes and the comfort therein and walking in the streets demonstrating their love for people of color who are denied basic rights. If we really look carefully, we see love in action. Thousands upon thousands laying aside their lives in the service of others. Let us look for the good. The innate goodness in all of us. Look deeply into your own heart. Drop the idea of separateness and think, “Just like me.” He desires love and respect, just like me. He wants a good paying job, just like me. She wants equal opportunity, just like me. She wants quality healthcare, just like me. When we confess with our mouth and lay aside our wants to work to achieve equality, we are loving as Jesus commanded us to love. What can you do? How do you lay down your life for your friend? Please start by being kind in your words and actions to those who differ from you in color, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Start a revolution of loving others who crave acceptance; just like me. Be the change you want to see. I ask you this week to see the good, loving people laying down their lives for their friends and the world becomes a better and less scary place for us all.
Spread the love, see joy in the possible,
Linda
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