The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them. John 15:13
When George Floyd was murdered in the streets of Minneapolis, Minnesota on Monday, May 25. My heart sank. I felt hopeless. Primarily because initially when the video went viral his death had not been confirmed just yet. But as news broke that he did in fact die, despair started to sink in. Many in my life, on my social media timelines, and even in mainstream media said something about his death just felt different. Though we are no stranger to injustices, many people left the video understanding we needed to take to action.
So, even in the midst of a pandemic, people took to the streets to protest and with over 40 million in the US alone facing unemployment many people have time to spare so while in previous seasons protests may have lasted a weekend, this time around people hit the streets on a daily basis. Risking their lives again and again and again.
I found out recently that protests have not been confined to the borders of the US, people all across the country have been standing in solidarity to protest. From Canada to Denmark to Hong Kong and other places globally, voices have cried out “Black Lives Matter” and for the first time, many people of color feel seen.
These events have been love in action and it’s really blessed me. But it’s also convicted me.
How often have I stood up for the rights of others or advocated for people who don’t look like me, believe what I believe, or who don’t live in the same country as me?
How intentional have I been in shining my light that others might see?
The answer? Not very and my prayer is, that this spiritual shift, would lead me to be more others conscious. First John 3:18 says “Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth” and John 13:35 says “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Let’s show ourselves to be who we profess to be. Let’s show the greatest love there is to show. The love of Christ Jesus who came to save, to deliver, and to set free.
Reflection Question: How can you love out loud this week?