"Made to Love"

Today was a day like I have rarely ever seen. Grief over those injured and lost in that horrible car crash in Ooltewah, the prison escapee killed, grief over the lives lost in Charleston, and the passing of the law of gay marriage in every state in the US.

These events brought out many emotions in me. I must admit, the one emotion I felt the most was shame. I was ashamed of the hatred that many voiced so publicly. I was ashamed that a white man killed 9 lovely African American people while they were in a house of worship showing the killer love. I was ashamed that so many Christians think being gay is such a horrible sin, yet they hate so freely and think that's okay. They are even proud of their hatred, thinking God approves. What about adultery, lying, cheating, murder, and so on. Is that all okay? Not in God's eye's. Not according to His word.

The God I know does not approve of hatred. The God I know is Love. He loves everyone, no matter their race, sexuality, or the sin they commit. No one is perfect. If He turned His back on all of us for sin then who would He love? No one! Because we have all sinned. And if we claim we haven't committed sin, then we are Pharisees. (the worst of the worst).

Today was a day to show love. Today was a day to reach out to those who have lost loved ones, or who are different than we are. Not matter your race, sexuality, or religion, today was a day we should love one another. No fighting. No racial slurs. And certainly no hatred.

I serve a God of love. Jesus walked with those that we, as Christians, show hatred toward. I want to walk with those people too. I want to show the kind of love He showed when He walked on this earth.

If I have offended anyone, I am sorry. But I believe that today we missed an opportunity to be Jesus in the lives of many people, whether we agree or not. Love isn't about agreeing. Love is about reaching out to one another and caring for them whether we agree or not. Love is about reaching to others in their deepest needs and hurts. I have had very deep hurts, and very deep needs. I have sinned in very dark areas. I needed others to lean on during those times. Now is our time to reach out and love.

Let's allow God to judge. Not us! We are not capable of judging. Only He is capable. And only He knows who to forgive. Stop trying to take His place! He is our creator! And He knows right from wrong, those who truly love Him and serve Him, and those who do not.

Much love to everyone who reads. My heart breaks for those who lost precious loved ones in Charleston and in Ooltewah. And my heart aches for those who were attacked on FB and other social media today. My heart hurts for all the haters. Hate solves nothing. It only dishonors God and creates turmoil.