4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

If you spend anytime watching the news, you know this world is full of hate. Protest/riots have taken over communities, destroying businesses, political hatred influenced recent elections, changing the way our government will function, and let’s not forget the wars currently going on, generating a hatred of death to Americans and Israel. As our world continues to turn upside down, how can you find love in the mix of emotional turmoil that plagues the hearts and minds of people around globe?

It all starts with you. Embracing today’s verses on the definition of love can change the way you look at people, countries, and beliefs that don’t align with your views. Loving others takes personal sacrifice, to set aside your desire to respond harshly, look the other way, or boil up in anger. Those things are not productive, and God doesn’t expect His children to respond in such a manner.

If you are feeling a little guilty about your lack of love, you are right there with me. I’ve been victim to the drama the news generates, stirring up in me feelings that don’t align with God’s expectations to love my fellow neighbor. It’s a process that can take a long time to develop, but with the help of God’s Holy Spirit, that transformation can occur. When you faithfully get on board with loving others, the world around you changes just a little bit, and hopefully your influence will change the outlook of others.

Dear God, help me to love those I don’t understand, give me the patience I need to dig deep in my soul to love them. You are in complete control of this world, I’m just a temporary vessel passing through this moment in time. Help me to reflect the love of God to the unlovable. Amen!