Devotion

Keep It To Yourself
(Proverbs 16:25 NIV) There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

I recently walked by someone who had on a shirt that read, “When this virus is over, I still want some of you to stay away from me.” While that statement may spark a bit of humor for some people, there are those of us who may see damaging implications. Right now the hearts and minds of people are very vulnerable to ordeals they are dealing with from the pandemic, senseless violence, injustices, and other life storms. There’s a time, a place, and an audience for people to express their personal opinions. But in this fragile time – when we’ve lost so much and need one another to lean on for support and encouragement - advertising less than loving sentiments only weakens the potential of unity between brothers and sisters in creation and brothers and sisters in Christ. This is something we need to consider when we make plans to wear apparel that speaks a message to the world. If it doesn’t read a message of love and compassion for God and God’s people, you probably need to keep it to yourself.
Jesus, help us to remember to love one another the way we want to be loved in return. We want Your love to flow through us so we may express it towards each other. Amen.