Listen

But if someone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but refuses to help—how can the love of God dwell in a person like that?

Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth.

1 John 3:17-18

Think

The verdict is in. For many, the outcome of the Derek Chauvin trial offered a moment to breathe again. This time, justice prevailed, and accountability enforced.

Love prevailed as well. It was in the actions of 17-year-old Darnella Frazier, who loved her neighbor enough not to be indifferent. She loved George Floyd enough to film the violent injustice against him and share it so the world would know the truth.

Love is not what we say or feel but a choice to act. Jesus provided concrete examples that he loved – through his teachings, miracles, compassion, healings, and acts of service. Jesus’ love wasn’t wrapped up in what he felt but in what he did.

Beloved, God is calling us to love. You may never be confronted with the injustice Darnella witnessed (and I hope you never will). But you will be confronted with other kinds of injustices (food insecurity, health disparities, racial injustice, etc.). What will you do to demonstrate your love for your neighbor? For the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.

Reggie Blount

Pray

Loving God, you are love! We who are created in your image are love as well. Consistently stir up the gift of love within me to see the love my neighbor needs… and act! Amen.

Go

Take the first step toward justice. 

Take a step toward reconciliation. 

Take a step toward understanding someone different from you.

“You make the path by walking.” (Robert Bly)