Choose Love

Well, this has been quite a few weeks, has it not? I have not said much about the most recent tragic events in our nation. I  have said a bit about my experience during the pandemic, and I have spoken to friends about masks and quarantine and going (or not going) to the store....but the rest of it has been so overwhelming to me. I have chosen to step back, post less and knit more for now.

I believe that the kindest reaction is usually "be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,"* and sometimes I succeed at this. Sometimes I do not, because I am human, and I am always sorry when I say or do something careless in my haste. If I have, or if I ever do say something in haste, something careless that hurts your feelings because of my own ignorance...well, I hope that you will let me know so I can apologize and learn from my mistakes.

My motivation is usually love. Why? Because when the Pharisees asked Jesus, "What is the greatest commandment?,"

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."**

Since I started following Jesus, I have found that I love others best when I think before I speak and act, and when I choose my words carefully. Is it true? Is it loving? Is it helpful? Is it necessary? 

This week, on social media, I have watched some friends share posts without fact-checking. I have seen thoughtful response posts aimed at raising awareness. There has been encouragement to use a certain hashtag, then to use an alternative hashtag, and finally caution about either of the hashtags. The only right thing for me to do is to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

In response to my "How're ya doin'?" yesterday, a friend texted her frustration that bad seems to be winning...which breaks my heart, but I totally see where she's coming from. Bad looks like it is winning, in so many arenas lately. 

Our world is broken in so many ways.

But God sees. God hears. God is not silent nor absent. He is letting the world see what happens when whole societies turn their backs on his love. He is waiting for us to see it.

"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

The only solution I see is that Greatest Commandment. Love God. Love others. I mean really love others. Do not pass quick judgement. Extend grace, even when others do not. Check the facts on a story before you post it...before you like it...before you share it...before you say or write angry words about it. Listen carefully. Take a breath and think about it. Consider what it would look like if you were the one at the center of it. Only then, if you have something you absolutely have to say, say it as gently as you can. Change starts when we all learn to love well.

One more note: Loving your neighbor is a peaceful thing to do. Loving one another never involves rioting or the destruction of property or people. Love and justified anger (let's face it, there is much to be angry about) can coexist in this broken world, as long as anger is not permitted to destroy it.

Anger expressed incorrectly tears down quickly. Love builds up. Choose love.

Thanks for stopping by. Knit in Good Health and share the love.

*James 1:19

**Matthew 22:37-40