- “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 KJV) 2. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44 KJV) 3. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippines 4:8 KJV) 4. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 KJV)
All four of these Biblical verses summarize the Christian’s duty to his neighbor and state the fundamental ethical principle that calls on all of us to love one another, to place peace at the center of all relationships and negotiations, to build bridges not walls to others, to offer kind, encouraging words and actions to all, to empower our children with kn0wledge of their strengths and to celebrate their successes, and to lend an ear and a hand to all who need compassion. When we do these simple gestures, the flame of confidence shines hope throughout our world, and love becomes a beacon for the city of God.
Our moral precepts also change when we tell the truth. Our children are born good, and if we guide them to their full potential, they will become mature, sensitive adults, whose hearts are surrounded by God’s unconditional love. As they grow to maturity, they will realize that it does not take a man to fight in anger and hate. It takes a man to reach our his hand. What is more important than winning at life is how a man accepts losing. The mark of a strong man is how he accepts lose, making the act of winning more grand.
Emily Dickinson wrote, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; if I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.” Emily’s words have long been my mantra for life, but there are so many other loving and courageous people that I need to speak about. Father Jerzy Poplieluszko, chaplain of the Solidarity Movement in Poland, said, “Love you neighbors as yourselves but love your enemies more.” Despite his brutal murder at the hands of the Communists, he stood as a champion for Polish freedoms. Pope John Paul II bore witness to both Nazi and Communist atrocities, and yet, he chose to face the world with love, hope, and peace. President Ronald Reagan, maligned for his decisions to work with brutal Communist dictators in order to bring Communism down proved that a man’s heart can change when he is allowed to worship God in the manner to which he is accustomed and his human rights are paramount in the minds of government officials. Mother Teresa’s heart found the forgotten and ministered unto the sick and handicapped people of Calcutta, India. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was willing to give his life on the gallows so that the German Lutheran Church could be restored to its preWWII standard with Jesus Christ, not Adolf Hitler, as head of the Church. Corrie ten Boom’s family hid Jews in their home and helped them find safe places to stay for the duration of WWII. Father Damien put himself on the island of Molakai, Hawaii to care for the disenfranchised lepors of the islands. Mohandas Gandhi stood up against the British Empire to bring activism, truthful politics, and religious tolerance and freedom to the many peoples of India. Right here in America, the health care workers, police, emergency responders, and the science community worked long and tiresome hours to help bring the COVID pandemic to a close. Let’s also not forget about the people who stand up against racism, lawlessness, violence, bigotry, corrupt politicians, and morality among everyday American heroes. It would take hours to tabulate all of the really fine individuals who have contributed, selflessly, to make the world a better place.
All who believe in humanity and working together to make this world a better place are heroes to me. When we pull together and put our petty self-interests aside, we truly are more empowered and more capable of sending God’s light and love into this darkened world of sin. So why do so many of us fight having a better world? Because as much as we try to stop the evil surrounding us, Satan manages to rear his ugly head in many places, so much so, that we begin to question where God is. I affirm that God is everywhere around us; He has never left us. All we need do is reach out our hands, and say, “Come into my heart, Lord; You are my rock and my salvation.” We will be healed, and the light of God’s unconditional love will shine on all of us.
Anna Hartt
