Faith Over Fear of the FutureSample

In a World of Lawlessness, BE KIND

The darker the darkness, the brighter the light shines.

Institutions once considered stable and reliable have faltered. Trusted leaders have fallen from grace. The rule of law is being replaced by the rule of the loudest and most aggressive mob. What was once considered harmful or shameful is now celebrated as a source of pride. In short, there are days when it feels like the whole world is upside down.

It’s tempting to respond with anger, despair, or apathy as we struggle to comprehend what we can and cannot do to stem the tide. But Jesus would have us do something else. He calls us to love. Not as the world loves, calling evil good and wrong right, but as God loves. And how did God love?

Steadfastly. With longsuffering. Through sacrifice. While we were yet His enemies.

In the face of rising lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. In this kind of world, the best human spirituality can come up with are slogans about coexisting or tolerating, or sending positive thoughts and vibes. Clearly, that’s not enough, and the alarming rise in depression, anxiety, and suicide bears that out.

God calls us to more. Into this cold and cynical world, we carry the flame of truth, the fire of God’s relentless love and grace, the warmth that every human being longs for. That kind of radical love is possible. And it changes everything.

When we embrace God’s love, it becomes natural to express His love. In many ways, kindness is God’s love expressed through action. And nothing is more obvious in the Bible than God’s commands to love this world in tangible ways, such as providing a “cup of cold water” in Jesus’ name to the thirsty (Matthew 10:42).

This isn’t a call for a select few followers of Jesus but all Christians. The Bible says, “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy” (Psalm 82:3).

Jesus said, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise” (Luke 3:11).

You can make a difference in the World of the End, and you can be the difference in someone’s life by choosing to be kind!