If I thought I could not get any more anxious over Covid 19 and its devastating effects, here comes the aftermath of what took place at the Capitol Building last week and my anxiety level is raised even higher.
And this question came to mind;
How do I hold onto Christian principles when my mind loses focus and becomes caught up in the news of the day?
And I read a passage like the one below and Jesus makes it very plain what He expects of me, of us, as His followers.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-
This is one of the hardest things to do. To love those who we do not like. This goes against the most loveable bone in our bodies. And yet Jesus commands it of us. To love those who do not look like us, who do not speak like us; whose philosophy is not like ours; whose culture causes us to stare and pass judgment. In order words we have nothing in common with them.
But Jesus is very clear. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute us.” For as He goes onto to explain, it is so much easier to love those whom we love, our family and friends. However, that is expected. The real test comes when we overextend ourselves and love the enemy who needs help on the road as in the Good Samaritan. Or someone who needs help paying a bill or needs an opportunity in gaining a job or food for their family. And when we forgive each other.
7Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 1 John 4:7-9
As human beings, we are prone to human failings but let us try. Our future and the future of the country depends on us loving each other and forgiving each other.
Today I ask you to go to God in prayer. To take our anxieties and concerns to Him. Pray for the leadership of this country not only in government but also in businesses, schools, organizations, churches. Read your bible and see the beauty and love that lies therein. For there we gain strength and hope to continue moving forward.
Enjoy - The Lord's Prayer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8jImIjg4UY
Close your eyes as you listen; pray and allow the words to wash over you and into your soul.