I watched a video of a white man who was very racist. After spending some time in jail, he was released with the need for a parole officer. Well, because God knew what the man needed, the man was assigned someone he would not have initially picked. For this man was assigned a black woman as his parole officer. Though this woman was a remarkable woman filled with patience, grace, and hope of who the man could become. Over time, this man changed his heart and gained a great friendship with his parole officer. He eventually no longer was racist and completely changed his views. He realized that we all matter not because of color, but because of who we are. And we are God’s beautiful creation. All of us equally significant, filled with value, and created by God Himself. This woman could have chosen to show the same animosity as that man felt toward her, simply for having a different skin tone. Though she chose love. She saw potential in for who the man could be, and for that, the man could easier become. I truly believe that God placed this woman in his life because He knew that she was exactly what He needed to change his prejudice ways. This is such a beautiful story of choosing love over hate. Friend, we are all created beautiful and from the image of God. Each with our own features, abilities, colors, purpose. All equally of value. There is no room for hate, when filled with God’s love. May we love one another with kindness, with grace, with patience. May we see through the lens of God’s love and not the world’s hate.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Lens of love

1 John 4:11-12 NIV

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.