We live in turbulent and unsettled times. Hatred, offense, and anger spew at us from the news, social media, and sometimes those we know and see in person. It’s so tempting to get offended and angry. It’s really hard to avoid getting caught up in the emotional frenzy!

But avoid it we must if we are to really make a difference for good. If we looked past the angry words and emotions of the people we see and hear on TV and in person, and asked God to show us their hearts, what would we see?

Fear?

Insecurity?

Old wounds?

Brokenness?

Loneliness?

Probably a little bit of everything. Behind all those actions is a person – a real person who has a life, family, friends, and maybe a past (or present) they aren’t proud of. They long to be close to people and to belong. They think that getting caught up with the popular cause-du-jour is the answer.

I know, I’ve been there. Did I ever get violent? No, by the grace of God I was placed in a good family, raised with love. But I was violent and angry on the inside. Afraid. Lonely. I lashed out at those closest to me. I beat myself up for every wrong move. I was easily offended and angry. I flitted from cause to cause, person to person, looking for what no human could give.

I needed Jesus. 

We all need Jesus!

I met Jesus through people told me about Him as they looked past all my barriers and anger through eyes of love – Jesus’ love. By their own relationships with Jesus they showed me the way. 

In Jesus I found everything I so desperately sought: security, peace, healing, belonging. I learned that no matter what people did, Jesus would never leave me. His love is powerful, life-changing, eternal. Only after receiving His love could I truly receive love from and love other people. He healed me from the inside out.

Now I want to share Jesus with others like people did with me. 

All of us who follow Jesus have the privilege and opportunity to see others through Jesus’ eyes of love. Through us and our choice to show love instead of responding in kind, He can break down their barriers and show them a better way. All we need to do is ask and He’ll show us the way…day by day, person by person.

Let’s resolve to be part of the solution to this world’s craziness, not part of the problem. Next time you’re tempted to join in the frenzy, stop, pray, and love the people instead.

Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers and overwhelms all transgressions 
[forgiving and overlooking another’s faults].
(Proverbs 10:12 AMP)

Beyond all these things put on 
and wrap yourselves in [unselfish]
love, 
which is the perfect bond of unity
[for everything is bound together in agreement 
when each one seeks the best for others]
(Colossians 3:14 AMP)

Above all,
have fervent and unfailing love for one another, 
because love covers a multitude of sins 
[it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks
the best for others].
(1 Peter 4:8 AMP)