Hate. Violence. Fear. There is one thing those three have in common. They have a way of spreading. The media has been all over the violence spawned by hatred. In the last couple months, I’ve seen people assaulted because they have on a hat or shirt or their car has a bumper sticker for a specific person or political party. The other day I watched video of women participating in a peaceful Pro-Life protest being attacked by those who disagreed with the protest.
The climate of hatred and violence is spreading and being touted by various leaders as a way of getting what is wanted. When hate and violence spread, fear also spreads. We lose the freedom of being able to express our views on life, politics, or God without the fear of reprisals. When we fear reprisals, we will often simply not speak.
The LORD, however, does not want us cowering in a corner somewhere, voluntarily mute because of our fear. In fact, the LORD, commands us to speak, to tell others about His wonderful works. “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” [Ps 105:1-4]
One of the favorite sayings of Jesus was, “I tell you ….” The Gospels are full of the things Jesus told about His Father, His own work, His Kingdom.
Beloved, we cannot let the current social climate command our response. We must obey the LORD rather than men. But let’s remember that our response to hatred and violence cannot be in like manner. More on that tomorrow.
