Finding Meaning in the Middle of Change Sample

Lead With Love

We’ve talked a lot about personal life change, but God’s plan for our lives is so much bigger than ourselves. He invites us to be a part of collective change—like when Jesus taught us to pray for God’s will to be done here on earth as it is in heaven. 

We know that we live in a broken world, and Jesus promised we will have trouble in this life. As a result, the world around us is struggling to deal with very real hurts—injustice, inequality, racism, hate, death, pain, and oppression. 

When we’re hurting, gaps of information can get filled with emotion. And often, our default emotions are anger and hate. 

But as followers of Jesus, we’re called to live differently. Jesus never stooped to anyone’s level. He raised the standard of love. 

So how do we approach hate, racism, and injustice? How can we play a meaningful, role in collective change that brings more of God’s Kingdom here on earth? We follow Jesus’ lead. 

Jesus began revolutionizing culture during His time on earth. He touched the untouchables. He forgave the sinners. He healed the hurting. He valued women and children. He said that His purpose was to bring good news to the poor, to set the captives free, to bring sight to the blind, to free the oppressed, and to proclaim the Good News. The common theme? He led with love.

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28 NIV

There is hurt in this world. And there will continue to be hurt and pain until Jesus returns. In the meantime, we get to choose how to respond. We can choose to lead with love, just as Scripture calls us to.

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Jesus’ love is powerful enough to eradicate oppression of all kinds. It’s powerful enough to free both the oppressed and the oppressor. And it’s powerful enough to give us the strength to love the people we disagree with, to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves, and to bring healing to a hurting world.  

Pray: God, thank You for leading the way with love. Help me see the hurt of this world the way You see it. And give me the courage to do something about it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Consider any gaps of information you need to fill today. How can you ensure you are choosing love and empathy instead of hate and anger?

If you enjoyed this Bible Plan, you’ll love the podcast that goes with it. Learn more about how God uses our stories to create transformative life change on season 4 of the You’ve Heard It Said podcast .