Love others
As I woke up this morning, something was off.
My mind quickly raced through my family, my kids, my job, and, then, it stopped. I remembered.
Charlie Kirk was assassinated yesterday, on the eve of 9/11.
The brutal murder of a husband, dad, and public leader was on full display yesterday, impacting most I assume, but especially our youth.
If you have high school or college age teenagers, you know what I mean. Regardless of their view, they knew Charlie Kirk. They saw the inescapable video of yesterday’s event. This is a “remember where you were moment” for everyone, but especially that generation.
As I woke up, I immediately remembered the event, but something felt different.
As I scrolled through Erika Kirk’s Instagram last night, I saw the picture of a perfect young family. I saw the picture of a dad that loved his girls. Pure, unabashed, giddy love. All dad’s can relate.
As I was watching the news of the events last night, one man made a comment, and I paraphrase, “We all want to work hard each day and go home at night as a mom or dad to our families.”
So true. What a gift it is that is often missed. We just want to go home and love those closest to us.
So, what feels different? Maybe we have lost the ability to love.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
There is no better definition than love. Love is greater than (fill in the blank).
When we have different views, love is greater.
When we think differently, love is greater.
When we look different, love is greater.
When we come from different places, love is greater.
When we have different passions, love is greater.
When we have different political views, love is greater.
When we have different religious views, love is greater.
When events like yesterday occur, hate is magnified. The spirit of hate smiles. But, in the end, love wins.
Jesus himself said that to “love your neighbor as yourself” is equal to loving God, the two greatest commandments. And, he gave us the definition of love above.
So, today is different.
There is a gap, a hole in a family this morning, for a wife, for 2 little girls. Hate won the day yesterday, but love will win the war.
Yesterday was a picture of what is wrong in society. It seems it is easier to hate an individual for a different view than to love a fellow human.
In all of our circles, let us move the barometer to love, recognizing the blessing of life. Your spouse, your kids, your neighbor, your company, your peers, your church, your nation.
Love is a privilege that you get to share with others today.
Pray for Erika and the girls.