“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. In a world of individualism where everyone participates in a Me first mentality, it becomes increasingly difficult for us as humans to fully understand the meaning of love (Ephesians 3:19. Christians are a family in the service of Christ, a family made up of those who do the will of God.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” Ephesians 13:34-35. God’s family works best when its members work together. Recognizing others as brothers and sisters in the family of God means we are to share all that we have, then all can benefit from God’s gifts. It is tempting (especially if we have material wealth) to cut ourselves from one another—each taking care of his own, each providing for and enjoying his own little piece of the world. But as part of God’s spiritual family, we have a responsibility to help one another in every way possible.
Slavery is a part of the African American’s heritage. Through nearly two and one half centuries of cruel undue harshness and suffering, the slaves cried out to God for freedom, justice, peace and righteousness. Today, African Americans are still subjected to racism and unequal opportunities. But we must never forget the word, ‘Agape’—the characteristic term of Christian love. The Bible declares, “God is Love,” 1 John 4:8,16. Agape love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3), free (Josiah 14:4), sacrificial (John 3:16) and enduring to the end (John 13:1). Africans Americans must know and feel secure in the promised vindicating of God—if we obey and do His will. Obedience to God is a priority where one can live through and beyond any hardships, especially those that are undeserved. Spirit inspired love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8) but always flourishes.
My weekly prayer is that God spiritually inspires the reader of this commentary. Contact Expressions of Faith at P.O. Box 330127, Nashville, Tenn. 37203; or e-mail <w310watson@aol.com>.
