Some historians attribute the phrase “why can’t we all get along” to Rodney King. However, history is littered with civil unrest between classes, nations and races. While human beings are living in the most technologically advanced times, social media has become the new arena for the Jerry Springer Show. However, instead of making a scene in person, nastiness goes on daily from behind back biting keyboards and sarcastic cell phones.
Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper], Colossians 3:12.
In the middle of the first century, the apostle Paul traveled throughout the Middle East into parts of Europe. Some of these places welcomed Paul like Berea while others such as Thessalonica tried to kill him. To a certain extent, Jewish religious leaders of this time period who tried to stop the Jesus movement behaved similarly to modern politicians in the United States. If you don’t believe me, Trump and his supporters have been compared to Hitler and terrorists.
Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. 14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony], Colossians 3:13-14.
Unfortunately, this hatred has continued long after the 2020 Presidential Election that put Joe Biden in the White House. Although Trump supporters are still demonized by members of the media, anyone who has refused to become vaccinated for Covid-19 has risen to the top of the most hated list. Every day I turn on my radio or television, the unvaccinated are blamed for super spreaders even if some possess the antibodies of the Coronavirus. The only way to resolve this divided nation is through Christians who clothe themselves with Christ where love is the uniting source.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 