Keep On Loving One Another

I first wrote and shared these words several years ago, when wildfires were raging across the Northwest and hurricanes Harvey and Irma were battering the Gulf of Mexico and east coast. Today, I could add many other things to the list…continued fires in the west and Hawaii, war in Ukraine and Israel, devastating earthquakes around the world, December tornadoes in Tennessee, and so many other tragedies and disasters.

Here’s what I said in 2017 that is just as true today:

We’ve been encouraged by so many, and by those in the PLI family in particular, that are in the middle of it all and stepping up to make a difference. And the many not impacted that are extending their impact into these arenas.

In the never ending 24-hour news programs trumpeting breaking news and urgent updates, it’s easy to become anxious or numb to tragedy and devastation. (Remember that the current generation that inhabits young adulthood has grown up with this all breaking news, all the time networks!)

The writer of Hebrews offered this reminder when it seems all the world was being shaken:

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
   never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
   What can mere mortals do to me?”

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:1-8)

My friends: Keep on loving one another, even when the world around you has been shaken. And remember, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.