A Thought for These Turbulent Times

“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but at the same time hates his brother, he is a liar. For whoever does not love the brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” – 1 John 4:20

I have made efforts, with differing levels of success, to keep my political views private and separate from these writings. However, this verse emerged in a recent daily reflection and persistently urged me to share it. Therefore, I present my thought for today.

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If you back everything MAGA and don't recognize yourself in these words, it means you've stopped searching and have become closed-hearted.

If you are offended, well, sorry, not sorry. In this pivotal moment, it is crucial for each of us to engage in a profound and introspective examination of our lives. This is a time for all of us to look inward – deeply – and take a full accounting of how our decisions and choices make a statement about our character, individually and collectively. It is essential to recognize that our actions, no matter how small, ripple outwards and can significantly impact those around us. We must consider how our words, behaviors, and attitudes reflect our values and beliefs, and how they contribute to the larger societal narrative.

Are we promoting inclusivity or inadvertently fostering division? Are we standing up for justice and equality, or remaining silent in the face of injustice? Let us love each other unconditionally but with complete frankness, fostering an environment where honesty and openness thrive. It is through this candid communication that we can truly understand one another and address the underlying issues that may be causing harm or misunderstanding.

Encouragement should be at the forefront of our interactions; let us inspire each other to be kinder, gentler, more welcoming, and more empathetic to all our sisters and brothers. This means actively listening to one another, validating each other’s experiences, and showing compassion in our daily lives. By committing to this path of love and understanding, we can build a stronger, more unified community that celebrates diversity and promotes healing.

Together, we can create a world where every individual feels valued, respected, and cherished, and where our collective humanity shines brightly through our actions and interactions.

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