Respond in Love

Like most people I know, I grieve over the state of our nation, over the divide between our people, and over the lives recently taken; and I am outraged by the actions of my fellow citizens. I am mad that we as a country are not yet respecting each other as equals. I am angered by people blocking highways and interstates, keeping ambulances from quickly rendering aid, from employees getting to work, and from moms and dads returning home to their families. I am furious that people are using recent events as an excuse to attack others. Yet at the same time I am heartbroken for all the people affected by these issues. I am sad so many do not respect life - their own or the lives of others. I am mournful over those who souls have not found true peace.

All lives matter. No one is better than anyone else. We all are created equal, we all are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. We are all equal in God's eyes. We are all broken; we have all done wrong. In our country we are all entitled to be treated fairly in the judicial process (due process), including police officers.

Organizations, as well as individuals, are publicly taking a stand too soon on the recent events in our nation.  Do not automatically believe every 'evidence' you see online, every source you read, nor everything you hear. Wait for all the facts. Respond in love.  

For those in Christ, if you want to be part of the solution, show love to everyone by kind acts and by sharing the Good News of Jesus with others so they can have peace in Him. 

Weep with those who weep.

Before you take sides, please consider a couple of things. People are hurting. People are grieving. No matter which side of right and wrong someone's actions fall, their and their families' emotions are real and they matter. 

The men shot by authorities had families and friends who are grieving. Some members of our society are afraid of police stopping them no real reason... they are still hurting over the past because of the way their grandparents and parents were treated, because of injustices growing up, because of prejudices they still see today. It doesn't matter if we understand or even agree... we should love them and try to give them at least a glimpse of the peace that is attainable for all.

The same is true of the officers. They, too, are sons, dads, and brothers; their families and friends are also grieving.  Some brave women have stepped up to the call to serve and protect as well - they are someone’s daughter, wife, and sister. The police and their families are hurting. The men and women of the police force put their lives on the line every day. When they pull you over or arrest you (even for illegally blocking a road), they do not know your intent. They know there is always a chance you could cause harm to them or others, so they have to be appropriately prepared, aware, and protective. They always have to be alert to every possible danger around them. Daily their families hope and pray they will return home after their shift is over. Police deserve our respect.

We do not yet have all the facts. We do not yet know what truly happened and if the officers or the ones shot, or both, were in the wrong — the videos spreading online clearly only show part of the story. Give the officers their day in court.  Let both sides come together judiciously to determine what happened. Let’s gather all the facts before jumping to conclusions. 

All lives matter. If you want to make a change, first look to yourself. What can you change? Seek truth rather than immediately taking sides. Be understanding of others. If you are if Christ, respond in a way that others see Jesus in you. 

Show empathy, act in love, and extend peace to all. As Americans we should strive to be one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love
But the greatest of these is love." ~1 Corinthians 13:13 

“You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you... for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ~ Matthew 5:43-45