We are united by Love

Many of us have turned to attack one another as we react to fear. A fear we would not have if Love were the master of our lives.

We have to be very careful at all times, but these times are particularly treacherous. There are many trials we are facing, but the main one is our ability to love one another.

When so many people start preaching violence, neglect and exclusion as means to do what is good or build a peaceful community, the darkness of this world is in full effect.

We don’t pick sides, but we must take a stand. Love is our stand.

We are not called to be silent and live in a spiritual cave, but to use every opportunity to be agents of peace.

We are not loving one another by keeping silent to avoid conflict, when our hearts feel strongly against what is being said or done. We can, and should, show our love by speaking peacefully and firmly as we assert our values founded on Love.

We are not called to oppress, but to speak up for Love, forgiveness, compassion, peace – and this not at the expense of others.

We don’t have to speak against anything or anyone. Let’s raise our voices to speak only about the Love that can unite us and not join any other conversation that is focused on dividing us.

We are called to love everyone, including politicians

Have you ever contemplated a political career? I have.

A kind-hearted professor I had once said that the destiny of those who don’t like politics is to be governed by those who do. He went into politics because he likes it. And I like it too.

But I let go of the idea of following the political path because I am extremely private. Having my personal life publicized and twisted around is not a concession I’m willing to make.

Most people though never contemplate a political career. And that’s one of the reasons why it is so hard for them to understand that a politician is first and foremost a fellow human being.

It is heartbreaking to see the atmosphere of judgment and downright hatred against certain politicians these days.

Politicians pay a high price for making decisions that, under different circumstances, would yield far less judgment.

The mainstream media, the political opposition and the ideological opposition have all grown accustomed to treating these politicians with a belittling attitude.

This intellectual elite uses a moralistic rhetoric to disguise the fact that they consider these politicians as less than themselves, in some ways even subhuman, and undeserving of respect.

Now it’s even worse because no one really knows what to do.We all need to work together, but instead this intellectual elite uses every opportunity to instigate an atmosphere of distrust.

We might not like these politicians’ actions, but who are we to judge them? What makes any of us confident that our actions would be so radically different if we were in their place?

It isn’t possible to be good in this world out of our own efforts. None of us is good. Without God’s grace, we are at the mercy of the evil that inhabits us and are capable of the same mistakes.

And what a blessing it is to be called by God.

What a blessing it is to know that we have been forgiven for everything we have done and will still do across spacetime.

What a blessing it is to love those who the world loves to hate. This isn’t natural for us. This love is God’s power operating in us.

What a blessing it is to know that only God knows what is in people’s hearts. I know I am much worse than I like to think, but I am humbled before his mercy, forgiveness and eternal love.

So I pray that the One who is Love reveals himself to everyone who is full of hatred against politicians right now. May he heal their hateful hearts and give them a spirit of love.

May he draw them near to the light and the truth that they are too blind to see because they are enslaved by darkness.

I pray that he crushes them with his love and humbles them down, so he can be the One to exalt them when he transforms them into the peacemakers that we need right now.

May he transform what the enemy meant for evil in them and turn it for good. I pray that he transforms them into helpers, and fills their heart with love and the divine ability to forgive.

May he give them the will to do what is good for all of us.

Amen.