These past few months we have watched as our country has suffered.

We have seen over 50 lives lost, and over 500 others injured.

We have seen hurricane after hurricane destroy entire cities with floods.

We have seen political parties rise up against one another, and brother turning on brother. We have seen debates, hatred, accusations, and blames being thrown around the internet, television, and in written print.

Rather than come together during these times, we as a country have become numb to our own human nature.

There is a time and a place for everything.

There is a time to be political, and a time to be human.

There is a time to debate in love, and a time to just simply love.

There is a time to rejoice, and there is a time to weep.

There is a time to observe, and a time to take action.

There is a time to speak, and a time to reflect.

But no matter what time or place we may find ourselves in, as followers of Christ, the time to show His love never ends.

Now is now the time for hatred against one another.

Now is not the time for accusations and blame.

Now is not the time for debates and fights.

Now is the time for love.

Now is the time for support, and to come together.

Now is the time to cry with those in pain, and to rejoice over all the good we’ve seen come out of these tough situations.

I love reading and hearing about the stories of the people in the middle of these tragedies.

I love reading about their bravery to protect one another,

and their sacrifice to save a strangers life.

I love reading about the comfort and financial support that millions of Americans are pouring over those in need.

I love reading about the survivors comforting those who have lost loved ones.

I love seeing people be at their most human and caring for other humans.

I love seeing neighbors coming together to fill a need.

I love seeing the love of God work through people.

God touches people through people.

 In the midst of the chaos in our own country, right now is the time and place to be a follower of Christ.

Now is the time to share God’s love.

Now is the time to show the world what it truly means to be Christian.

Being Christian is not a religion-

Being Christian means to have your own intimate relationship with God as we follow the steps of Christ to share His true everlasting love with the world.

Your love must be real. Hate what is evil. Do only what is good. Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters.

And give each other more honor than you give yourself. As you serve the Lord, work hard and don’t be lazy. Be excited about serving him! Be happy because of the hope you have. Be patient when you have troubles. Pray all the time. Share with God’s people who need help.

Look for people who need help and welcome them into your homes.

Wish only good for those who treat you badly.

Ask God to bless them, not curse them. When others are happy, you should be happy with them. And when others are sad, you should be sad too. Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others.

Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else. If someone does you wrong, don’t try to pay them back by hurting them. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone. My friends don’t try to punish anyone who does wrong to you. Wait for God to punish them with his anger. In the Scriptures the Lord says ‘I am the one who punishes; I will pay people back.’

But you should do this: ‘If you have enemies who are hungry, give them something to eat. If you have enemies who are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this you will make them feel ashamed.’

Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good.”

~ Romans 12: 9-21