“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” – Dr. Martin Luther King
The past several weeks have revealed deep pain and hurt and even hatred in the hearts of people of various different positions and colors. Fear and power have been leveraged by the few and the many; unjust acts have spurred additional unjust acts.
Many voices have been heard on various platforms, yet the aim of most is to justify an opinion rather than pursue the type of transformation Dr. King desired. Through his own words, I hear Dr. King’s heart and cannot help but be drawn into it.
To the voices rightly calling for equal treatment and opportunity for everyone, everywhere, at all times…I can hear his words echoing, “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed.” But, “Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral.”
“I am not interested in power for power’s sake, but I’m interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.”
To the voices rightly calling for non-violent resolution, I can hear his words echoing, “It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.” “Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”
Transformation begins when a willingness to hate is replaced by a willingness to both love and respect other people, and when shouting voices are replaced by productive dialogue seeking viable solutions. Humanity’s natural tendencies must be overcome to birth something better.
To bring about love and respect … are we willing to hear and embrace and live-out the love that inspired the life of Dr. Martin Luther King? Because this love that he considered the way, the truth, and the life is only offered and given through the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. Society has done much to twist and reject this love, yet it is the very foundation of transformation and sustaining strength. Jesus proved his impact by transforming the people and society around him in his day and influencing the world ever since.
Will you and I embrace the overwhelming impact Jesus would have on our society’s need for love and respect, or will we reject him for the sake of today’s “political correctness?”
To bring about solutions through productive dialogue … are we willing to humbly listen to the heart and ideas of others instead of only hearing our own? Are we willing to sacrifice some, to gain much? Are we willing to invest our valued time and energy to work together to resolve difficult issues? Are we then willing to invest our hearts and hands over time to improve the lives of others through positive, tangible actions? Or will we simply go back to our ‘normal’ lives when the roar dies down, until the same underlying pain surfaces once again?
People of Mansfield have the ability to usher transformation into this city; we can demonstrate to the country and the world a better way; we can set into motion a brighter future for our children and the generations to come…by loving and respecting others…which is possible through the power of Christ.
The question is, will we?
David Connell
Mansfield, Ohio
