The world right now feels like an angry and scary place. Seems like things just get worse and worse, with no break–but there have been other times of unrest that people have rioted and acted in anger.
This simple and gentle act happened at a time when acid was being thrown on people of color simply for daring to swim in a public pool along with whites.
Rogers embodied the quiet strength of self-control when he intentionally set about loving his neighbor. It’s something we should emulate by loving our neighbor who votes differently, looks differently, believes, and worships differently. We should take it a step further (the second mile, if you will) and even extend love to people who do wrong.
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Romans 5:8
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
This is truly to be like Christ. Being angry at people being treated badly is not wrong, not at all. But what you do with the anger can either be destructive or constructive. Before you react–emotionally, verbally, physically–ask yourself if it is helping to spread love and acceptance, or is it fueling the fire of hatred?
Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou once said, “Hate has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.”
Make every effort to add to the goodness of the world and not the darkness. Be a light.
Postcards Magazine
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