Idealistic youth, together with old money and power, founded the United States of America. Until lately, a newer and wealthier, more ambitious generation-and sometimes appeared lawless in their pursuits-emerged. It is little gods against the people. Activist billionaires, speaking through their puppet politicians, use leverage to manipulate public opinion. An entertainer steps up to the podium to divide and conquer, with the same dog-eared playbook. It is billionaires today, not politicians, that tell us what to think, believe in, and have faith in. Yes, they do, and they will continue to misuse Christianity’s holy book for their gain.
American Christianity seems to be more concerned about Israel than about the well-being of the United States itself. This is not an indictment against Israel; rather, it speaks to something profoundly problematic in the default setting of American Christianity: the religion of Jesus Christ, Prince of Love, is being hijacked, abused, and distorted for personal use by a few billionaires who may have never set foot in a church longer than it would take to say the Lord’s Prayer. They have perverted the faith for their purposes.
In this legalized system, real criminals operate, positioned so often above the fray. Yet Christianity is not about enemies; it’s about neighbors. It’s not about casting the first stone but forgiveness and minding one’s own business. Christianity is not about oppression and depression; it is about liberation and celebration. And if Jesus is Lord, then let us, through his words and actions, heal. Who among us can walk in the shoes of the only Son? Who is higher than the Trinity? Who could be a better teacher and role model than Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God?
It really isn’t hard. It boils down to one simple command: love one another.
To move forward, it is of consequence to realize that love is more than a concept-it’s an active and engaging force moving us toward committed service. It pushes us out of our comfort zones, enabling us to reach out into the world for the purpose of pursuing justice on behalf of the oppressed and the downtrodden. Every day provides an opportunity for expressing love through concrete manifestations-in what we choose, how we relate, and where we commit.
Let us not forget that our faith is intricately connected with the lives of people in our circle. Every face we encounter has a story behind it of a struggle and someone’s need to be reached out to. For every time we go near them with an open heart and ears willing to hear their stories, space for healing is created. It is in those very tender moments that true community happens: the moments where every soul counts and is heard.
As we seek to embody the character of love, may we also remember the principles of self-love and care for ourselves. For in valuing ourselves, we are then capable of extending that value to others. When we practice self-compassion, we foster the resilience to stand up against the inequities of the world. It is this inner strength that so bravely allows us to advocate for others, to stand up for what is right, to be the voice for those who cannot speak.
Let us, in a culture often based on competition and self-aggrandizement, choose collaboration and collective well-being. We can do great things by coming together, pooling our resources and talents, and supporting one another. It is within this spirit of unity that our greatest strength will come forth-diverse voices and experiences all knitted together in the common commitment to love and justice.
We must also join the larger concerns that beset our society. As Christ’s followers, we are called upon to speak out against injustice-whether it shows up as racial discrimination, economic inequality, the destruction of the environment, or whatever the form of oppression might be. This calls us to become informed about these concerns, to understand their intricacies, and to advocate for policies promoting equity and justice.
Our faith calls us to be good stewards of the earth, to care for creation, and to make sure future generations inherit a just and sustainable vibrant world. We are dedicated, in practice, to living out those principles of love when our actions align with what we value, as Jesus has modeled for us.
And let us not forget the grace of forgiveness of ourselves and others. Holding onto resentment or bitterness only burdens us and restricts the full manifestation of love within ourselves. Forgiveness is a revolutionary activity that releases us unto a continuing journey with open hearts. It is the most commanding means of showing love, even when circumstances seem impossible.
We can begin on a small scale-by forgiving personal offenses and letting mercy flow from our lips toward the people who have hurt us, by developing an attitude of enlightenment rather than condemnation. And as we go on with forgiveness, our lives will become the symbols of the love of Christ, reflecting the very heart of his teachings.
Ultimately, our journey of love is not a solitary path but a shared pilgrimage. It is only together that we will foster a culture in which the norm is to love, each individual valued and cherished, and the collective voice of compassion louder than any forces of division.
May we be anchored on the truth that love conquers everything as we struggle through life’s complexities. May it be our shining star during dark times, a strong base whenever doubts creep into our hearts, and the ultimate mission given to each of us who call themselves Christians.
Let us commit to living it out-genuinely and passionately. Let us sprinkle love in all places we are, so that the world is altered with one heart at a time.
Together, let us leave a legacy of love that will echo across the ages, bearing witness to the unyielding strength of compassion and grace. The world is watching, and ours is the time to shine bright, reflecting in every action the love of Christ.
Let us rise up-afraid, yet courageous; compassionate, yet strong-and let us be that change we seek. In each and every act of kindness, each and every connection that we share, and each and every decision that we make out of love, let us transform our communities, our nation, and yes, the world. For love is our calling, and it is a call we must answer with our whole hearts.
We continue in this course inspired to consider what it means to be the embodiment of love in action, we reflect on daily choices and how they add up to a greater narrative about our lives and the communities that nurture them. Every day, every interaction is a difference one could make; inspire hope, model values dear to hearts.
The most important thing in building up the culture of love is to be very intentional, growing spaces where everyone is welcomed and included. That means being really intentional about how we use our language, actions, and attitudes. We must tear down active barriers that make certain people feel valued and safe-especially for those from marginalized communities. This means standing against discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
Wherever we build an inclusive environment, we open our doors to unique thoughts that add value to our communities and further our understanding of one another. By hearing and learning from others who have lived different experiences, we can gain a broader perspective and understand in a deeper way. This is a community that celebrates diversity as a strength rather than as a division.
Another important ingredient in this journey of love which we find ourselves on is investment in the next generation. That is, mentorship of the young with guidance, support, and opportunities to flourish. We share our stories, our life experience, in helping them make sense of this tumultuous life that faces them with hope and resilience.
Let us encourage them also to find their voice and to stand up in witness. As we empower young people to work for justice and compassion, we’re preparing them for the challenges they will face-and reinvigorating our communities with newfound energy, idealism, and fervent advocacy. Their zeal and energy can inspire us all to become more active participants in the movement of love.
We should also, through our activism, acknowledge the role of faith as a guiding principle. Faith can be an enabling force, consequential for grounding and giving direction while working out the intricacies often found in social justice. It calls us to do advocacy work based on love, compassion, and the pursuit of justice for all.
Love in the action is what lies between us and misfortune. It enables us to encounter aggression with elegance and respond to outrage with an understanding. That doesn’t mean that we are going to avoid conflicts and retreat into compromise around things that we feel dearly about. Quite the contrary happens: we enter conflicts open-hearted and at a disposition toward dialogue, looking for points of shared understanding.
Community is where one finds strength, support, and encouragement on this love journey. Together, we are able to lift each other up and share our burdens, even as we celebrate our triumphs. Community often is a catalyzing agency for change. It is together, in unity of purpose, that our voices rise louder and reach further.
Let us act in unison through the organization of events within the community, rallies, or even open discussions where people can come together to help resolve an issue. With these events, dual purposes are achieved: not only do they connect but also help in education and creating awareness. When people unite for the cause, it sends a strong statement that love and justice are not to be compromised.
Here at the outset of our journey, we remind ourselves that our perception of love and justice will be different in time. We must remain open to learning and growing, realizing that we do not have all the answers; this requires humility and a listening ear to accommodate constructive feedback, especially from those suffering injustice.
Let’s commit to lifelong learning-seeking knowledge and insight from reading, conversations, and experiences. By educating ourselves continuously, we heighten our capacity for empathy and compassion, therefore enabling us to respond with effectiveness to the needs of those around us.
So let us embark on this journey of love with open hearts and open spirits. Let’s acknowledge the very real challenges, but also let us know that our capacity for love is greater still. We have the power to create a world as it ought to be rather than simply the world as it is. We can build a world of justice, compassion, and empathy.
We can work to turn our faith into action. We can be outspoken for love in every corner