BE THE LIGHT

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”-Matthew 5:16 NIV

I despise the word hate.  I try to not use it in my vocabulary because as I say to my kids, “Hate is such a strong word.”  I prefer to use I don’t like or I don’t care for instead of the four letter H word.  In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary hate is defined as intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from FEAR, ANGER, or sense of injury. HHHMMM, what does this describe?  Our present world and society.  People not understanding other people’s views, opinions, lifestyles, and religious beliefs lash out in hate for the fear of the unknown.   Social and news media in general pounce on hatred events and fuel the fire with speculation and prejudice.  Before you can count to ten, situations have been exploited, intensified, and created division between one another.  All of the negative reports of people hating on other people can be so discouraging and overwhelming.  What can I do?

PRAY– I love the term prayer warrior.  When praying for others, I imagine myself strapping on the armor of God and heading to battle.  God hears our prayers and I know He answers.  And the great thing about prayer is I can pray for anyone around the world, at a moment’s notice, from southern Louisiana and not leave my home.  This is why the church, bible study groups, prayer circles are so important to God.  “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”-Matthew 18:19-20 NIV

LOVE-So easy to say; so hard to do.  Yes, we should show love to ALL.  The terrorists, rapists, murderers, and thieves are children of God.  The man who cuts you off in traffic, the women in the grocery line who is yelling at the cashier, the parents on the opposing soccer team screaming unkind words to your child, they are children of God.  God expects me to be kind and show love-EVERY TIME.  I have to ask Him for strength during these moments and hold my tongue.  There are times I won’t show love like I should, but I have to strive for this level of forgiveness and empathy daily.  “ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:44-45 NIV

BLESS-I have found in serving others it blesses both me and them.  Sure I have planned events which I volunteer, but I am talking about the spur of the moment acts such as allowing someone to pull out in front of you on the road, or carrying a dinner tray for a mother who has small children bouncing around her while carrying a baby.  My husband makes a point when he sees someone from the military approach them, shake their hand, and thank them for their service.  It is such a blessing for him and he is sincere in his appreciation for their sacrifice. I should take the time to serve others without any desire of praise.   “But I tell you who hear me:  Love your enemies, do good to those who hate, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28 NIV

I know this sounds like an optimistic, make believe solution to a larger than life evil problem.  If Jesus could show love and compassion to everyone, why can’t I?  Why can’t I choose to love my brother and sister regardless of how they treat me?  It has to start somewhere and I am the one who can control my thoughts and actions.  I can be the light and shine God’s love to others in this sad, cruel, and unfair world.

I would love to pray for you-check out my prayer request page.  Blessings!