Rev. Derrick Elliott, Pastor, Sun Lakes United Church of Christ
As November draws near, we find ourselves on the cusp of a season filled with warmth, gratitude, and reflection. It is a time when the world transforms, adorned in a vibrant tapestry of autumn colors, inviting us to contemplate the beauty of change and the blessings surrounding us. It is also a season that perfectly embodies the profound truth: “There is no hate like Christian love.”
In a world often marred by division, strife, and animosity, the concept of “Christian love” may seem paradoxical to some. Yet, it is precisely in the heart of our faith that we discover a powerful, transformative love that can conquer hatred and dissolve the walls that divide us.
The phrase “Christian love” embodies a love rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ who implored us to love one another as He loved us (John 13:34). This love is not conditional. It does not discriminate. It extends its warm embrace to all, regardless of race, religion, gender, or social status. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither enslaved nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
With its focus on gratitude and giving, November provides the perfect backdrop for us to reflect upon this profound love. For Christians, we are called to exemplify this love in our daily lives, not just within the walls of our churches, but in every corner of our communities. It is a love that extends a helping hand to those in need, a listening ear to those who are hurting, and a warm smile to those who feel alone. There is no room for hate in our faith. We are called to be ambassadors of love and unity, shining a light in a world often plagued by division.
In the face of hate, Christian love is a beacon of hope, a light that dispels the darkness. It is a love that forgives the unforgivable, heals the wounded, and reconciles the estranged. It is a love that reminds us that we are all children of God, bound together by a common humanity and a shared need for grace.
As we enter the month of November, let us embrace the power of Christian love. Let us be instruments of peace and reconciliation in a world that often seems fractured. Let us reach out to our neighbors, extend a hand of friendship, and seek to understand those who differ from us. In doing so, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of love.
In conclusion, “There is no hate like Christian love” may sound paradoxical, but it encapsulates a profound truth that November encourages us to embrace. It is a reminder that, as Christians, we are called to love unconditionally, to bridge divides, and to be agents of love and reconciliation in a world that sorely needs it. In this season of gratitude, may we reflect upon the love that defines our faith and let it shine brightly in our lives for all to see.