Yesterday we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. One of my favorite MLK quotes is, “That’s love, you see. It’s redemptive, and this is why Jesus says to love. There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So love your enemies.”
If anyone had a reason to hate, it was Martin Luther King, Jr. He saw the worst of humanity, experienced unjust imprisonment, violence toward himself and his family, and was finally assassinated. But his life was characterized by the message of redemptive and forgiving love. How did he do it?
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” The apostle Peter, who had been forgiven much, wrote, “Love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Dr. King had experienced the love of Jesus himself- that’s how he could love those who hated him. Today, let’s honor his sacrifice and the sacrifice of the One Who loved him today.
In His Love,
Steve and Tricia Whitaker
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