The Way of Love

Years ago, Matthew West had a popular song called “Do Something” which included these lines: 

I woke up this morning Saw a world full of trouble now 

Thought, how'd we ever get so far down How's it ever gonna turn around 

So I turned my eyes to heaven I thought, God, why don't You do something? 

Well, I just couldn't bear the thought of People living in poverty 

Children sold into slavery The thought disgusted me 

So, I shot my fist at heaven Said, God, why don't You do something? 

He said, I did, I created you 

In the past few weeks we have seen senseless acts of violence and murder including the shooting at Annunciation Parish in Minneapolis and the assassination of Charlie Kirk. There have been hateful remarks made through social media and widely reported through other means. So who is going to fix this problem? Legislation?  Let’s be honest with ourselves. When one party’s policies are in place, the other party wants to overthrow them  when it gets in power. Instead of constructive debate, there is destructive rhetoric. Should it be that way? Obviously not. Has it been that way at various times throughout history? Unfortunately, yes. This is what happens when sinful human beings fail to walk with and trust in the one true God. 

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22 ff). If the Holy Spirit truly works that in us, we can make a positive difference in the world. The question is: Is that the difference I want to make? You see, it’s very easy to want to fight fire with fire and tear down those who are tearing me down. The result of that is more conflict.  But the way of love which may lead to being insulted, persecuted, or even martyred in the short term can have  lasting effects – eternal effects as people are forced to see there is a different way: the Jesus way. 

This does not mean that we never enter into debates to defend what we believe or take precautions to defend ourselves against attacks. It does mean that when we debate, we treat the other with respect as a person even if we totally disagree with his or her position and we are treated with disrespect. And if there are people in  society around us who are in need and marginalized, we do what we can to work for solutions instead of waiting for  someone else to fix things. In that way we are truly doing something – reflecting Jesus.