Love Is the Answer 

   “Light of the world, shine on me, love is the answer.  Shine on us all, set us free, love is the answer.” (Love is the Answer, lyrics by Todd Rundgren, John Wilcox, Roger Powell) 

   Throughout virtually all aspects of life there is a consistent thread.  That thread is love.  It may be misunderstood, misplaced, or even abused, but it seems that everyone knows that love is somehow the one constant that is necessary in life.  If we could learn to love as God loves the world would be at peace.

   As I read scripture I find love everywhere.  God created all that is out of love, He created men and women out of love.  His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, became man so that He could show the love of God in the flesh.  In love He gave His life that we might have eternal life with Him.

   When asked which is the greatest commandment Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the greatest and first commandment.  The second is like it; you shall love your neighbor as yourself.  The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”  (Matt 22: 37 – 40).

   It’s so easy to look at the evil in the world and hate, to despise those who propagate evil, caring for nothing but themselves.  Jesus never hesitated to call out evil and condemn it, but He never hated anyone.  He only offered forgiveness and salvation to those who would follow Him.

   There are many things we can do to serve God, but unless we do them with love, they are lacking what God asks of us.  God is love and He wants us to love, both Him and all His children. 

Father, You are love.

Teach us to love.

Take hatred from us.

Give us a loving heart. 

Amen