“Kidnapped, and Ready to Love!”

Romans 13: 7-8 – “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no man anything, but to love one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”

As Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he clearly expected the people of God to pay their debts. He encouraged them to respect and honor the country’s leadership according to their positions. Paul exhorted that the church pay taxes, and resolve borrowing goods according to the laws and agreements. However, beyond the basics of being law-abiding citizens and making good on any debts, the priority becomes loving one another. If we owe any debts, then only by loving one another can we “fulfill the law.” Literally and spiritually, we owe no man anything but love. Love is continuous, ongoing and full of positive attributes of action.

THE LOVE FOR MANKIND INTENSIFIED

Kidnapped, Ready to Love is my way of saying how important it is to take difficult situations and reflect on the expectations of God’s word. On my journey of life, one of my most impactful experiences occurred when I was kidnapped. It happened over 35 years ago. At times, the horrifying ordeal seems like yesterday when God delivered me. However, at the 10th hour of the 14-hour holding, I made a very specific promise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I prayed, “If You spare my life and allow my children to grow up with their mother, not only will I continue to serve You, but I will dedicate my life to bring races together and help people to love one another.” While the gunman tried to put fear in me as he pressed the double barrel shotgun to the back of my skull, I remained confident in the Lord. In my distress, some moments, I was convinced that He would save me. In other moments, I was hopeful that I would be with Him in Glory. The love for mankind intensified in me during the hostage situation. I answered my calling to be a convener of racial healing and a unity whisperer. The atmosphere did not shift when the hostage negotiator spoke. The atmosphere did not shift when the baby I held cried. The atmosphere did not shift because SWAT team members were on the roofs of my neighbors. The atmosphere shifted when God reminded me of His Word that says to love your enemies, to pray for them who despitefully use you. The atmosphere transformed and the release began, when my heart cried out a loving prayer for the gunman. Now is the time we must remember not to owe each other anything, but love. I was kidnapped and still had to remember to be ready to love. Today, all of us can join together to love one another. We can focus more on our similarities than differences. We can build bridges of unity and honor humanity. Are we guilty of owing love or are we ready to love?

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Know that God is love. He asks us to love one another. He also gives us the power of the Holy Ghost so that we are able to do it. When His word says, I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me, it means all. We can seek a closer walk with God, give our lives to Him, be baptized in the Name of Jesus and be filled with His spirit as we love one another.

PRAY THIS PRAYER

Dear Heavenly and Gracious Father, bless us as we continue to trust You in the most challenging circumstances. Help us to dedicate our complete lives to You and to hear Your voice as we owe no one anything, but love.