Rise up in love: Be the difference this world needs

Jesus didn’t stop to ponder what political party God’s children would belong to before He loved us or before He faithfully laid His life down so we could have life more abundant than we could ever imagine or deserve.

He didn’t count the times He’d have to forgive us. He didn’t stop to rebuke all who hated Him. He didn’t fit in a political box and often defied the norms of who He should talk to, break bread with or show the love of God to.

His ministry wasn’t limited to the temple, the who’s who’s, one race or nation or the status quo.

He respected leaders for their role, but He served God above all.

If we are to follow Him why should we act differently?

Aren’t we called to respect those in charge?

Aren’t we called to walk humbly with God?

Aren’t we called to be the body of Christ?

Why do we fall prey to useless debates and senseless arguments?

Why do we stop chasing and pursuing God with all our hearts?

When will we wake up and turn from our wicked ways so He will heal our land?

Will we learn that His love changes us and puts us in motion?

That the time we have that is fleeting should be spent in love?

Will today be the day we make that change forever?

Or will we let today pass us by as so many have already?

Father forgive us for the futility of today, the hostility we feed into, and the time we waste on things not honoring You. Give us a hunger for your word. Give us a peace that surpasses understanding and Lord give us wisdom to know we are the difference this world needs when we allow You to love through us and serve through us as your faithful vessels. Raise up a generation after Your heart Lord and may we run relentlessly after You until we embrace in heaven. Amen.

Bread for today

• Galatians 3:28 — “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

• John 13:34–35 — “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

• Romans 13:1 — “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”

• 2 Timothy 2:23–24 — “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”

• Jeremiah 29:13 — “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

• 2 Chronicles 7:14 — “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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

• Micah 6:8 — “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

• Ephesians 5:15–16 — “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

• 1 Corinthians 13:13 — “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”