"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18 KJV)
I have witnessed a lot of not so loving actions over the past year. It amazes me that so many profess that we have to have more unity and love; that if we love we will strive for justice for all people. When in fact they speak of love; but, their actions show otherwise.
Riots that included damage to personal property of others and attacks on others do not in anyway show love of neighbor nor does it show justice. Calls for unity while verbally attacking people who do not agree with one's principals or lack of principals. Verbal attacks can very well be deeds as they are attacks against the spirit. Physically or verbally attacking those who will not compromise their beliefs by encouraging harmful and or sinful behavior is not in any way a show of love. It does do much harm.
We can talk about unity, peace, justice, and love 'till the cows come home. Yet, if out of one side of the mouth we speak of these things and out of the other side comes hatred and false accusations we are only deceiving ourselves when we claim that we love. But, we are not and cannot deceive God regarding the state of our hearts. Until we actually start acting in love toward one another it is just fruitless talk and often harmful speech.
Jesus showed his love and mercy for us by dying on the cross for us. May God help us to love one another not just with words but in deed and truth. And, may God help us to not compromise the truth. Only when we live in the truth will there be any real semblance of peace and love. We need to quit justifying our sinful behavior by trying to put the blame on others.
"Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."
(Prov 16:5-7)
A man's way pleases the Lord when he shows love by acting upon both mercy and truth.
God's Peace - Pr. J.
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