Love First!

I seem to be glued to the news more than I can ever remember in the past. Every time I tune in I see crime and hate. The few good stories I do see are often the result of something bad happening first. There was a march in the streets of a nearby town and they called it a march for love which is a good thing, unfortunately, the march is in response to acts of hatred that resulted in deaths. Why has love become reactive and not proactive? Our first action in all cases should be Love. Love should not be a tool to fix a problem it should be the foundation that prevents problems from occurring.  When asked the question, which is the greatest commandment Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:36-40 NIV).  Jesus expands on the importance of Love in John 13:34-35 (NIV) when he says “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.”

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, said, “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.” 

When will we all come together and share the Love our God has shared with us with the rest of the world.

Love First!!