Living by the law of agape love
I’m appalled just as you are in reference to the senseless killings in our neighborhoods, how police have not always used sensible decisions not to take a life, and most importantly how and why Black Lives seems to be reasons for other persuasions to dismiss the movement. Our lives DO matter. Personally, I attribute it to a lack of brotherly love with no recourse to adhere and embrace a higher order. We all profess to do God’s will and obey His Commandments at some time in our lives. We grow, prosper and go about life with good intent. But do we REALLY love God and follow through on all of the aforementioned? Better yet, do people that don’t look like you truly understand all of the properties that define love…especially, the Agape type? It’s acknowledged that generic consideration for mankind is exemplified by how we dispense kindness and service to each other in the name of love. Questions will always be asked relative to how can we love without showing the rancor and ill-will, and of countenances gone awry that causes more problems than we’re willing to admit. Throughout the African American diaspora we certainly can do a better job of loving, living and locating the will to show compassion for all things that affect our well-being in the sight of the Lord. We all should be able to live together. Will it be in YOUR lifetime, mine? I often have compelled myself to believe that we shouldn't be against each other in lieu of unified forces that are missing today. Boy was I wrong! Black lives matter as well as us living together and getting along more than anytime in our existence. This essay seeks to unlock and give more attention to why living by the law of love is not just a wisp of imagery without a blueprint, but a MUST in showing that God’s guidance and expectations for our lives centers on obedience, and specific directives to be followed. One relevant question I will ask is this: Do we really have to love and pray for our enemies? The short answer is yes, but there’s longevity in how we apply it: as difficult as it can be, each of us must take special care to pray for our enemies. In fact, if there is anyone in this world for whom you really should make a point of praying, it’s your enemies, and people that are not of your persuasion. Here are some reasons why:
1. Jesus unequivocally told us to. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, “But I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you....” And in Luke 6:27-28, Jesus says, “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” So. There it is.
2. We’re supposed to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. (Matthew 17:12 : “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, .... ”)
3. It greatly enhances your understanding of the situation between you and your “enemy.” For reasons and in ways we mortals will never understand, prayer creates miracles. One of the miracles it creates is emotional and mental clarity on the part of the one praying. Praying for your enemies creates in you that clarity, that wisdom, that perspective you're often otherwise lacking.
3 Magazine / January 2017
Alvin C. Romer