1 Corinthians 13:6, “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
Martin Niemoller was a prominent Protestant pastor during the Nazi regime in Germany. He was an outspoken critic of Hitler, arrested and placed into various concentration camps. He is best remembered for this quote: “First, they came for Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.” These words are tragic, but often true. We can get comfortable with injustice. Sometimes, we get so self-centered that even though a great injustice is done to someone else, if it isn’t done to us, we won’t do anything about it.
As Christ-followers, we are called to oppose all forms of evil and wickedness. We can’t even sympathize with them. Bold love sets aside personal feelings and agendas; it moves humbly into the world of others. Bold love risks pain to be Jesus to someone else.
Our culture today is permeated with demands for justice. But some people who cry out for justice desire to see others humiliated, harmed, or even killed. In reality, they are asking for revenge. Maybe today, you are harboring a grudge against someone. Maybe you are secretly enjoying the suffering of another. Today, ask Jesus to cleanse your heart of bitterness and ask for a renewed love for people.
Jesus, may I use the truth to honor You. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit; Allow me to be Your hands and feet in my part of the world. Help me to be bold and share Your love with others around me. Amen.