Tag: kindness

Love Your Neighbor

Relationships have suffered in the past few years. The isolation of the COVID epidemic and vastly differing political views have contributed to unprecedented divisions. Social media is a great way to keep in touch, but it has its downside. It allows us to express our opinion in a way that insulates us from real confrontations. We feel free to throw our thoughts and views like sowing seed. And, unless we are careful, we are sowing dissention, disagreement, and conflict…weeds that choke out relationships. Lifelong friendships have ended, families are split apart, and verbal confrontations have become the norm. Ridicule, sarcasm, and bitter words become weapons of destruction.

Humility: In the Dustbin of History

God told Micah His prophet, that what He requires from us is to do good; to do justice; love kindness, and to walk humbly with Him. He emphasized that a right relationship with Him…one that recognizes His sovereignty, omnipotence, and transcendence as compared to our human frailty is the foundation for relationships with others. Jesus said the two greatest commandments were to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We all have opinions and worldviews based upon our life experiences, but in today’s world it appears it is “my way or the highway.” We have lost the art of having discussions incorporated with humility. Rather, we plunge on, thinking we are right. We don’t listen; while the other is speaking, we are compiling our response rather than respecting the other person rather than accepting we might learn something.

We can be Friends even if we Disagree

In these times we are submerged in an eddy of information and opinion, causing us to either fight against the current or just go along. It doesn’t have to be those two extremes. Empathy for the other person requires us to try to put ourselves in their place; attempt to at least consider their point of view based upon who they are. That’s one way to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are so quick to criticize that often we miss the point. I am not saying that we should not stand up for truth; rather I am hoping that we can disagree with another person without severing the relationship. That’s where humility comes into play. It hurts when another person attacks you for your views. It is hard not to want to retaliate, but if we are going to restore our nation, we must put our egos aside and temper our responses. Jesus said that those who make peace are blessed. Why? Because only then can the world see we are truly His children.

Success and Defeat

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NASB

The past four years have been like watching the last two minutes of a football game a thousand times. Who will fumble? Whose defense will break down and allow a touchdown? Those last two minutes are agonizing because we all want to win.

Violence is not the Answer

In the same way the election nears its culmination amid hysterical appeals for votes, ugly smears, and slanders against opponents, with justice and kindness a casualty. Only one side is going to win in this election, and, from all reports, violence will occur regardless. Spurred on by a biased media and suppression of truth, nobody will be happy with the outcome. Already one side has vowed violence if they do not win, and retaliation if they do. What has happened to the America I knew?

The Way to Do Good

God has told us through the prophet Micah what He wants from the people who claim to love Him. “Do what is good” means to set our standard, the plumb line for our deeds, attitudes, and character to a holy God, pure and blameless. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. He does not change to meet the whims of corrupt mankind but sets the eternal standard by which we can approach Him.

Doing justice

“Justice and liberty for all” is part of our Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Justice belongs to all—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, skin color, or political preference.  Justice and righteousness mean the same thing—righteousness produces justice for everyone. “Love your neighbor as yourself” ensures righteousness.

Loving kindness

When the air has cleared from all the name-calling, slander, threats, and selfishness, will there be anyone left that loves kindness? This election process has hurt many people and fractured friendships, families, and marriages. One Greek word for kindness in the Bible is philanthropia which means good will manifested in a friendly, considerate demeanor; a readiness to help another, and cherishing and keeping fellowship. After this election, can we exercise kindness toward those with whom we disagreed? Will we restore these broken relationships? Four years from now there will be another election—will there be any kindness left?

Walking humbly with our God

Romans 13 states that it is God who appoints rulers, kings, and presidents. He set up governments to keep order. We are to submit to those authorities because they could not have gained their position without God. Therefore, when we yield to His sovereignty, we acknowledge He “removes kings and establishes kings” (Daniel 2:21) and He does according to His will, not ours. Isaiah tells us He will achieve His purpose; that everything He plans will happen.

It is our choice

I don’t know who will win, but I know I must choose to walk with Him rather than tremble in fear, shake my fist at my fellow Americans, and throw a toddler tantrum if I don’t get my way. I will pray earnestly for whoever wins because God told me to pray for authorities because it is good in His sight. (1Timothy 1:1-2)

Vote

Voting is a privilege that many on earth do not share. Do your part and make your voice known and then accept the results of fellow Americans’ choice.