Martin Luther King Jr. experienced racism from an early age. I can only imagine that the events he went through stuck with him for life. Amazingly, he used his pain to make a difference in the world. He became an activist, a pastor and began leading a series of peaceful protests in the south that significantly changed laws dealing with the equality of African Americans. His work changed our nation forever. We are forever grateful.
I think most of us have a hard time loving those who persecute us. To be honest, most of us have a hard time loving those who slight us, judge us or even challenge us. To think that Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about love so profoundly is beyond beautiful. In human’s eyes, he had every reason to hate. But, he didn’t. He chose love.
Check out his following quotes on love:
“He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.”
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
“I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life was cut short, but no one could stop the dream he had! No one. Today, we continue to be inspired by his words. Just think! What would it be like if we loved like this? God calls us to love our fellow man like this.
Who might God be calling you to love that’s not easy to love? An irritating relative? A difficult staff member? A not-so-kind member? Inspired by MLK, let’s make a difference in our world by sticking with love.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
“Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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