Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is Hatred let me sow Love; where there is Injury, Pardon; where there is Doubt, Faith; where there is Despair, Hope; where there is Darkness, Light. St. Francis
Where does our hatred come from? We have all seen it, we have all experienced being on the receiving end of it, and, yes, we have all also shared it with others. Where have you most recently seen it or felt it? It shows up in both words and actions. Common denominators in hatred of some kind or another are despair, discouragement, disappointment—all moments away from wholeness and health. When we fail ourselves or others in our quest to be whole, “who we are” takes a severe turn for the worse. Our words and our actions then become, either openly or in a hidden manner, harmful, at times leading to hatred.
What is the antidote for hatred? St. Francis captures it in the word “love.” Others have defined love by saying, “love is not something that we must create, it is us. Love is our essence—the fundamental energy that nourishes us. It is our birthright.” Benjamin Shield. “The common denominator of all healing methods is unconditional love—a love that respects the uniqueness of each individual and empowers each person to take responsibility for his or her own well-being.” Jack Schwartz. Karl Menniger adds: “Love cures people both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.”
“Where there is hatred let me sow love.” Treating others as we would want to be treated. Matthew 22:37-39 says, “You shall love of the Lord your God with all your soul, your heart and your mind….and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love of this kind and depth splashes healing water on hatred destroying its power to destroy.
Prayer: Lord make me an instrument of your peace, where there is hatred let me sow love. Amen
Pastor Jerry
Tomorrow Sharing Pardon
