What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning - of course, after you throw water on your face and have your first cup of coffee. My “first thing” has always involved reading the news. As a young girl, I would sit at the kitchen table and read the morning newspaper. Even while on vacation, I always walk down to the corner store and buy several newspapers for the day. As the reporting of news has morphed to a more on-line presence in recent days, I find myself pulling out my smart phone to read the daily paper, peruse everyone’s Facebook updates – all to find out what has happened overnight.
That is, until these past few days. I find myself unable to take a peak, to see what has happened, because I don’t want to see a news feed this is overflowing with hate. What do we do with the hate that seems to surround us constantly? Do we do like I am doing – just try to avoid it, or is there a better way?
On Sunday, I read from 1 John 4. As you approach your day, may these words surround you…for this is the better way.
Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. If we love one another, God lives in us and God’s love is made complete in us. We love because he first loved us. Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
~Pastor Jane