May 23, 2026
While it isn’t easy, the Bible tells us we must learn to operate in love. No judgment. No jockeying and arguing to be right. No holding grudges or silent treatments. Love is love. It takes sacrifice and preferring others to achieve proper love levels. Luke 10:27, says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
We live in a world that thrives on condemnation and blame. Forgiveness has gone out of favor. But not in Heven. Remember Jesus said we should forgive people’s offenses seventy times seven. Every so often we see a court case where a victim of crime forgives the perpetrator. It takes my breath away. I want to think I could do that but I’ve never been tested at that level.
Help people. Love them. If they’re in trouble, do all you can to lighten their burden. If they are sick, get help. If they are hungry, feed them. Look upon others with the same heart and eyes you look upon your children. Love redeems, heals and lifts people up.
People’s cruelty comes from somewhere. Not all wounds are visible. Without God, we cannot handle people who have weapons, bad intent and seem almost mindless. Fear of bodily harm blocks many attempts to love others. Walk with God. Rely on His protection.
Our culture depends on a lawful and orderly public. Forgiving is not the same as allowing. Support law and order and expect our government to prosecute the bad guys. Bu once they have been punished, stand ready to forgive and provide second chances.
Lord God, Help me understand cruelty and a willingness to hurt others. Let me be brave enough to confront evil and still trust You to keep me safe. May angels surround Your people in this difficult season we live in. It is a challenge to love others as we love ourselves when they present a threatening posture. Help me know when to back off, when to let go and let You take over.
For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; Luke 4:10