08/08/2024
It is sad to see the degree of unrest plaguing the country at this time. There are people becoming anxious and in particular refugees & asylum seekers are being targeted. Hate is being fuelled by fear & misinformation.
However, it is encouraging to see the vast majority in communities throughout the UK coming together in anti-racist marches to condemn the violence being perpetrated towards innocent people.
Personally, my emotions are triggered when I see what is happening. I am angry when I see this racist & fascist rioting and I strongly condemn the violence.
However, as a Christian, I do encourage us not to get caught up in any response that does not encourage peace, calm, mercy & forgiveness and that would cause us to step out of alignment with who we are in Christ. The Bible tells us to be angry (emotions) but do not sin (actions).
May I steer us to Jesus words in Matthew and challenge us, through God’s power, to love and pray for those who hate you.
Matthew 5:43-48 TPT
43 “Your ancestors have also been taught ‘Love your neighbors and hate the one who hates you.’
44 However, I say to you, love your enemy, bless the one who curses you, do something wonderful for the one who hates you, and respond to the very ones who persecute you by praying for them.
45 For that will reveal your identity as children of your heavenly Father. He is kind to all by bringing the sunrise to warm and rainfall to refresh whether a person does what is good or evil.
46 What reward do you deserve if you only love the loveable? Don’t even the tax collectors do that? 47 How are you any different from others if you limit your kindness only to your friends? Don’t even the ungodly do that?
48 Since you are children of a perfect Father in heaven, become perfect like him.”
https://bible.com/bible/1849/mat.5.43-48.TPT
Many fires of anger have been stoked but please be wise and keep yourselves and your families safe.
Please pray for the government, local authorities, the police and all those in the frontline and support services. 🙏🏾
