Happy Earth Day. Everyone go hug a tree.
It’ll be a far better use of your time than any of the violence inciting, race baiting, whatabouting, half-truth reporting that seems to dominate the culture anytime we turn on a screen.
“I’m not sure what’s true anymore,” said my friend the other day, referring to a particular news event.
“Exactly,” I replied, “Every time I read a news story, even if it seems to be mostly facts reporting, I’m left asking the question, ‘What are they not telling me? What is the rest of the story? What happened that led up to this?’”
Every. Single. Time.
Another friend chimed in, “I try to remember there’s not a single person in that situation who Jesus does not love.”
There it is.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” ~Matthew 5:43-45
You think you know who is good and evil. You think you know who is right and who is wrong. You think you know who is smart and who is stupid.
Are you sure?
Are you really really sure?
Are you really really really sure?
Really.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~Hebrews 13:8
You should probably shriek about it then.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ~James 1:19-20
As for me, I think I’ll go hug a tree. Or at least photograph some. And maybe sip some tea.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” ~Matthew 5:21-22
P.S. Speaking of h-e-double toothpicks, this book was a super awesome (and quick) read/listen on the subject.
