Two young men, apparently overtaken by anger or hatred. Eventually the pieces of their story will be strung together, and we’ll have an idea of how they could be so cold to the grief they would bring to so many.
In a way, though, their story doesn’t matter. We have our own story to live – a very different story. Ours is a story of God who created a world of abundant beauty and unconquerable love. A world where every person is a beloved child of God, where love is stronger than hate and hope more powerful than fear. And violence never the acceptable alternative.
It’s not a fairy tale. Ask anybody who marched with Dr. King if love can conquer hate, if perseverant, non-violent action carried out in hope can eventually carry the day. It can. It will.
Our lives write the story of God’s love every day as we let love win out over hate and fear in every situation, as we forego the violence of both weapons and words. Whether we are discussing social or moral or political issues, addressing conflict in our family or church, or trying to change society – how we go about it matters. Every time we approach each other with love and respect, we create another chapter to the story of God’s love known to us in Jesus Christ.
“For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (I John 3:11)
