None of us were ever meant to be someone’s footstool for them to rest their feet on, or a doormat for others to wipe their feet. Nor were we ever supposed to be someone’s punching bag to be punched and kicked about when the need to release pent-up frustration and anger arises. Furthermore, we were never meant to be the object of, or the subject of, constant undue ridicule and criticism.
This author believes that some of the biggest problems in the world today stem from too much time and effort spent on criticizing, condemning, and judging other people because of their differences. We would all do much better if we learned to love one another and focus more on the commonalities that should unite us as brothers and sisters. We need to show our love for all humankind regardless of race, gender, background, culture, and yes, even sexual orientation.
We are not commanded to agree with a person’s beliefs or accept their doctrines, principles, or teachings about how we should live our lives. Furthermore, we are not commanded to agree with another person’s lifestyle. However, we are commanded to love one another. How can we honestly say that we love God, but hold malice, animosity, or indifference in our hearts towards our brothers and sisters because they hold different beliefs, or because they live a different lifestyle than our own? We would do well to remember that if it were not for the love, grace, and mercy of the Lord, we who are quick to judge another would be in no better place than the one or ones whom we judge.
Let us strive to meet on common ground instead of on battlefields of hatred, blind mistrust, and misunderstanding, and show more love and compassion for ALL our brothers and sisters. When we finally begin to realize that the walls that seem to divide us are artificial and not God-made. When we start to dismantle, those walls brick by brick instead of continuing to add mortar and more bricks to reinforce those walls. That will be the day when we will be able to sit down together at the banqueting table of brotherhood and sisterhood and live in peace and harmony with one another. That will be the day when we will understand what it means to love one another.
In a new music video, 13-year-old Quenton Barger delivers the powerful message that no matter how dark the world may get, and no matter our differences, our Savior loves us and we can share His love with others. The video is based on “Love Is the Answer” written by Todd Rundgren and performed by England Dan and John Ford Coley. Love is the answer. Love will always conquer more than tenacious judgment and pernicious condemnation of others ever will.
