Harm to None and Harmony for All

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Yesterday was quite a historic day, in more ways than one. 


For some there was celebration. For others, there were sad tears. But every one of us should have felt a desire for unity. 


How many of us saw a message of unity from another, but refused to “react” to it, or share it, because it came from someone on the other side of our own politics? I know I struggled with it, as I have struggled with many different emotions this season. 


I have no problem sharing my thoughts, but have made a conscious decision to keep many of those thoughts confined to private conversations of mutual love and respect. We may not agree on everything, but we agree to love each other anyway. 


Here’s the thing. In the end, we will all answer to our Creator. He will not ask what candidates we supported. He will not ask what protests we marched in. He will not ask how many arguments we had, or memes we posted in His name. He will want to know how we loved each other.


“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:8-9‬ ‭


I was moved by the words of Amanda Gorman yesterday. I’d like to share a small portion of what she said.


”...And yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn't mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect.


We are striving to forge a union with purpose, to compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man.


And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us but what stands before us. We close the divide because we know to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside.


We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another. We seek harm to none and harmony for all...”


Beautiful words from a young poet, in-line with the words from a beautiful book.


“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:14‬ ‭

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