January 19th, 2021
By Heather Schuck
“Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, ‘Love your enemies.’ It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they’ll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load. That’s love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says ‘love’. There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So love your enemies.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2018/01/some-of-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-s-profound-quotes/)
On January 18th we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. It would be difficult to read anything about Dr. King and not feel in awe of the courage of this man. But he didn’t do this on his own. He was a Christian first and a social activist secondly.
I could certainly use this reminder right now as division of our country is the headline every day. But whether or not I agree with someone I can still be kind. I can still choose to listen. And I can still love...especially those with whom I disagree. God made us all, loves us all and died for us all. And for this reason we are called to love.
“Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, ‘Love your enemies.’ It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they’ll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load. That’s love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says ‘love’. There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So love your enemies.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2018/01/some-of-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-s-profound-quotes/)
On January 18th we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. It would be difficult to read anything about Dr. King and not feel in awe of the courage of this man. But he didn’t do this on his own. He was a Christian first and a social activist secondly.
I could certainly use this reminder right now as division of our country is the headline every day. But whether or not I agree with someone I can still be kind. I can still choose to listen. And I can still love...especially those with whom I disagree. God made us all, loves us all and died for us all. And for this reason we are called to love.
No Comments