Bread Bite: Love Does No Harm
Continuing with our weekly Southern Cancer Center “Bread Bite” inspirational series, here is a message from Pastor Chad Price of Forest Hill Church of God in Mobile, AL.
Pastor Chad-
Today’s encouragement comes from the Book of Romans, chapter 13 verse 10 (NIV) which says: “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”
In such a volatile climate that we live in today, this verse is very timely. For one, during this most unusual year of 2020 we have been cooped up for a good portion of it with family members we used to see only a fraction of the time. Constant contact with loved ones for an extended period can sometimes reveal the ugliest parts of ourselves, can’t it?
Secondly, in these past few months there has been a great divide over how we emotionally negotiate this pandemic. Some believe it overblown – others believe under-hyped. Some in favor of masks – others not wearing them out of protest for freedom’s sake.
Thirdly, in case you missed it, this is an election year and it is one that is so emotionally charged it’s quite inconceivable to most on each side to have civil discourse over their support of either candidate. I mention all of that to convey the idea that we, as a people, are incredibly divided and this frenetic year of 2020 has only served to amplify all of our differences.
What I encourage you all to remember today is this: love your neighbor. Jesus went so far as to say “love your neighbor as YOURSELF.” How are you doing at that? Are you failing or succeeding? Are you slow to speak, quick to listen?
In these desperate times, I encourage all of us to be more like Flower from Disney’s “Bambi” who’s mantra was “if you can’t say nothin’ nice, don’t say anything at all,” and let’s be less like Clarice from “Steel Magnolias” who stated in the film, “if you can’t say anything nice, some sit by me!” (Disclaimer- I love both of those movies and characters! Ha!)
The point being- please don’t contribute to the problem but be a part of the solution. Take it one day at a time, but purpose in your heart to be a little more kind and a little more empathetic to the people around you. Especially those that are different than you. This world needs more peacemakers. Be one today!