"The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.'" Mark 12:31 ESV
"The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:34 NIV
Today marks the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. From that day and in the 20 years that have followed so many people lost their lives, and studies show first responders and others involved in the rescue and recovery efforts have acquired chronic and terminal illnesses as a result of their heroic efforts.
I recently reflected on the civilian aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on US soil. For a while there, everyone, regardless of their race, religion, political beliefs and affiliation, wealth, education, gender, sexual orientation, and the list could go on, showed love and kindness to one another. With no questions asked. Seeking nothing in return.
We heard so many stories of people providing rides to total strangers in NYC, which if you know NYC culture is nothing short of a miracle. Others donated money, food, and clothing supplies. Some intentionally checked in on our Muslim brothers and sisters escorting them to and from their destinations to ensure their safety against hate crimes in the weeks following the attacks. For me, I had a calling card and many students attending university were unable to call home and check on their loved ones in NYC on 9/11 because cell towers were either down or clogged, so I posted up at the local pay phone allowing anyone who needed to call home to use my calling card. (When mom got the bill, I told her what happened and I was saved!)
These are the simple acts of love that reflect Jesus' nature to anyone and everyone who crosses our path. In the years following 9/11, that unity we once experienced as a nation regardless of our differences certainly evaporated, and in fact we've become more divisive to this day. Not only has our nation continued to be divided politically and racially, but also new age philosophy is teaching us to only love folks if they're showing us love back.
The slogan that emerged from the 9/11 attacks was "Let us never forget." Oh, how our Father in Heaven couldn't agree more! Let us never forget to show His love and kindness to all that we encounter in moments of sorrow and tragedy, as well as in joy and jubilation, for this is the work that brings glory to His name and draws people closer to Him.
Reflection
Have I been showing love and kindness to all that I encounter? In what ways have I let my pride, hurt, politics, unforgiveness, or busyness impact my ability to live out this Scripture? Is something else blocking me? How can I rely on the Holy Spirit to show love to all?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for reminding me of your preeminent commandments to me. Forgive me for letting my stuff block the Holy Spirit from doing Your work through me. Heal my broken places and show me how to rely on Your Spirit to show loving kindness at all times to all people. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Photo by Nathan Lemon on Unsplash
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