Month: January 2025

Love Thy Neighbor

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Acts 9:10-19 NIV

So many of us I think are walking wounded. Crippled by hurts that are still troubling us. You see, over the last six months, I have been on a journey of forgiveness. I have had to battle with things that have challenged my grasp on what it means to love people who don’t treat you well.

We’ve all had people in our lives that have hurt us or caused us a lot of pain. We’ve been that to some people in our lives as well. But what is hard is when it comes from people who it should never come from.

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27-36

When we read enemy, we may think of really bad people. But the word here means more than that. It’s the greek word (echthros) that means someone opposed to you either passively or actively. This includes spiteful as well as hateful people. It includes people who sow division or gossip misinformation. It includes anyone who leads us in a life opposed to godliness. It is someone who wants what is not best for you. It can include people who exploit you or take advantage of you. It is easy to picture our enemies as really bad people who seek our harm but it is so much more than that. Regardless of how they are our enemy, the call of Christ is the same…to love them.

In this opening passage we see a man of God, faithfully walking out God’s call and going to help a man who has been actively persecuting the church, locking up and having Christians killed. Ananias goes to him and the possible risk of his life. And when he prays for him he calls him brother. Ananias’s display of love and grace is a turning point for Saul’s life and for the church.

“God will judge us not according to how much we endured, but how much we could love”
Richard Wurmbrand, Tortured for Christ

While in prison, Richard was beaten and tortured mercilessly. The guards mocked his faith and tried to break his spirit. Despite this, Richard prayed for them daily. He later said, “I hated the sin, but I loved the sinner.” He refused to let hatred take root in his heart, even toward those who caused him immense suffering.

One day, a guard asked Richard why he still prayed for him. Richard responded, “Because I love you.” The guard was stunned. Over time, Richard’s unwavering love and prayers softened the hearts of some of the guards, and a few even came to faith in Christ.

In the prison, food was scarce, and inmates were given barely enough to survive. Despite his own hunger, Richard would often share his meager bread ration with other prisoners, including those who had betrayed him to the authorities. His act of generosity reflected Jesus’ teaching to “do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27).

In his book Tortured for Christ, he wrote: “If the heart is cleansed by the love of Jesus Christ, and if the heart loves Him, you can endure all things. You can even love those who torture you.”

Stories like Wurmbrand’s and those you can read on VoM are powerful demonstrations of love and compassion and mercy, but what about those of us who haven’t been tortured? The stories can still empower us to live a life of love. Which we cannot do if we are impaired by bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness.

I want to highlight more examples from the Bible of how this principle is lived out. And my hope is, that we can all find power and encouragement to break any chains of bitterness and unforgiveness that still cripples our ability to experience and show the love of Christ.

Jesus on the Cross
• Reference: Luke 23:34
• Example: While being crucified, Jesus prayed for those who were persecuting Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
• Lesson: Jesus exemplified ultimate love and forgiveness even in the face of brutal suffering and injustice.

Stephen the Martyr
• Reference: Acts 7:59-60
• Example: As Stephen was being stoned to death, he prayed for his persecutors, saying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
• Lesson: Stephen mirrored Christ’s love by asking for mercy on behalf of those who were killing him.

Joseph and His Brothers
• Reference: Genesis 50:15-21
• Example: After being sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph forgave them when they sought his mercy, saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
• Lesson: Joseph chose forgiveness and love over bitterness and revenge.

David and King Saul
• Reference: 1 Samuel 24:1-22
• Example: When Saul was seeking to kill David, David had an opportunity to kill Saul but spared his life. He told Saul, “May the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.”
• Lesson: David showed mercy to his enemy, trusting God to handle justice.

Elisha and the Aramean Army
• Reference: 2 Kings 6:8-23
• Example: When the Aramean army was blinded and captured, Elisha instructed the king of Israel to prepare a feast for them and then release them, rather than harming them
• Lesson: Elisha demonstrated kindness to enemies, leading to peace.

Moses and the Israelites
• Reference: Exodus 32:30-32
• Example: When the Israelites worshiped the golden calf and rebelled against God, Moses interceded for them, even offering to have his own name blotted out of God’s book if it meant their forgiveness.
• Lesson: Moses showed immense love and selflessness for a people who repeatedly opposed and grumbled against him.

The Good Samaritan
• Reference: Luke 10:25-37
• Example: In Jesus’ parable, a Samaritan, who would have been despised by Jews, helped a Jewish man beaten by robbers, showing mercy and compassion.
• Lesson: True love transcends cultural and historical animosity.

Hosea and Gomer
• Reference: Hosea 3:1-3
• Example: God commanded Hosea to love his unfaithful wife, Gomer, as a picture of God’s steadfast love for Israel. Hosea redeemed her, despite her betrayal.
• Lesson: Hosea’s love reflects God’s unwavering love and forgiveness toward sinners, even when they are undeserving.

Paul’s Forgiveness Toward Persecutors
• Reference: Romans 12:14-21, Acts 16:25-34
• Example: Paul taught believers to bless those who persecute them and not repay evil for evil. In Acts, after being imprisoned, Paul stayed behind to ensure the jailer didn’t harm himself, later leading the jailer and his family to faith.
• Lesson: Paul lived out his teaching, showing compassion to those who mistreated him.

Peter and the High Priest’s Servant
• Reference: Luke 22:49-51, John 18:10
• Example: When Peter struck the high priest’s servant, Malchus, during Jesus’ arrest, Jesus healed the man’s ear, showing mercy even in the face of betrayal.
• Lesson: Jesus demonstrated compassion for His enemies even as they came to arrest Him.

“You never so touch the ocean of God’s love as when you forgive and love your enemies.”
Corrie Ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom, is a courageous Dutch woman who survived the Holocaust. Following her liberation from the brutal Ravensbrück concentration camp, Corrie went on to heal, forgive, and share her story with the world.

In a little over a week, we are going to spend a day in recognition of a brave man, and one of my personal heroes, Martin Luther King Jr. A man who was very familiar with being surrounded by enemies, and yet preaching a message of love and reconciliation, and then living it out.

Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Let’s love better!

A Crucial Fight

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. It is a pervasive and often hidden crime that affects millions of people worldwide. It involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for purposes such as labor, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude. Though it may seem like a distant issue, human trafficking occurs in every part of the world, including our own communities. There are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in human history. Raising awareness is a crucial first step in combating this crime and helping to protect the vulnerable.

The Scope of the Problem

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 40 million people are trapped in modern-day slavery, with 71% of them being women and girls. Victims are often lured by promises of a better life, only to be subjected to unimaginable abuse, manipulation, and violence. Traffickers use various means to control their victims, including physical violence, threats, and psychological manipulation, leaving them with few options to escape.

Human trafficking isn’t limited to just large-scale criminal operations. It can happen in seemingly ordinary settings: local businesses, homes, and even schools. Often, the victims don’t even realize they are being trafficked until it’s too late. In many cases, they are threatened with harm to themselves or their loved ones if they try to escape. This reality makes it imperative that we, as a society, become more informed and vigilant.

How We Can Make a Difference

1. Educate Ourselves and Others

The first step in raising awareness is knowledge. Understanding the signs of human trafficking can help us identify and report suspicious activities. Some common indicators of trafficking include:

  • Physical signs of abuse: Bruises, burns, or scars that are consistent with control tactics.
  • Inconsistent stories or answers: Victims may appear fearful, avoid eye contact, or provide rehearsed stories.
  • Isolation: Victims often have little to no contact with people outside their trafficker’s control and may seem afraid of authority figures.
  • Excessive working hours or lack of freedom: Victims may work in poor conditions, under duress, and without breaks or compensation.

Taking the time to educate yourself and your community can make a significant difference in identifying victims early on.

2. Support Anti-Trafficking Organizations

There are numerous organizations working tirelessly to combat human trafficking and support its victims. From providing shelter and legal aid to raising public awareness and advocating for stronger policies, these groups rely on donations and public support to continue their essential work. By donating time, money, or resources, you can help these organizations provide victims with the support they need to rebuild their lives.

The organization I team up with is the A21 Campaign (https://www.a21.org/) I was first introduced to the organization at a conference out in California, 12 years ago. It was at that moment that the full scale of human trafficking became something I was aware of. I had never grasped the depth of the problem. Since that day, over 10 years ago, I have made it a personal mission to raise awareness about this subject. My first child was born the following year and that made it even more important for me. The A21 Campaign operates all of the world. They have major operations in Australia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Greece, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and all over Latin America.

Some other leading anti-trafficking organizations include:

  • Polaris: A nonprofit organization dedicated to combating and preventing human trafficking through a national hotline and policy advocacy.
  • The International Justice Mission (IJM): An organization that rescues victims of trafficking and violence while working to dismantle trafficking networks globally.
  • Love146: A nonprofit focused on ending child trafficking and exploitation.

Supporting these organizations, or even volunteering your time, can help make a substantial impact in the fight against human trafficking.

3. Advocate for Stronger Laws and Policies

Human trafficking thrives in environments where laws are weak or not enforced. Advocacy for stronger policies at local, national, and international levels is vital for creating systems that prevent trafficking and protect victims. This can include:

  • Stronger labor laws that protect vulnerable workers.
  • Stricter penalties for traffickers and those complicit in the crime.
  • Better victim protection laws that ensure those who escape trafficking can access help, safety, and justice.

By engaging in activism—whether through petitions, contacting lawmakers, or raising public consciousness—you can help push for legislative reforms that reduce the incidence of trafficking.

4. Know How to Report Suspected Trafficking

If you suspect human trafficking in your community, it’s crucial to know how to report it. Many countries have hotlines and online resources where you can anonymously report tips and receive guidance on how to proceed. In the U.S., for example, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733).

While it’s important to be cautious and avoid direct intervention that could put you or the victim in danger, reporting trafficking activity is one of the most effective ways to bring attention to the problem and get help to those in need.

In Luke 4:18, Jesus says, “He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners”. He calls His followers to do the same. All of these men, women, and children are God’s creation, beautiful and valuable beyond measure. In Mark 12:3, He says, “love your neighbor as yourself.” These innocent souls are our neighbors. And they deserve our time, efforts, and attention. It is all our jobs to speak up and speak out. I know the problem seems so overwhelming that you may feel insignificant in the fight. But I encourage you to just take the first step, and then the next. Let’s all help bring freedom to the captives!

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

How God Looks at You

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

The world often judges us by our past. We most often view ourselves on our present. I believe God looks at us through our future.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV

The story of the apostle Peter has always been one that resonates with me in someways. Peter was impulsive and battled with pride. I find the same qualities in myself. Peter had highs and lows. He also praised God through his actions at some moments and denied him in others. but when Jesus interacted with Peter, he didn’t look at the mistakes that he had made, or his up and down faith. Jesus had his eyes set on Peter‘s future. By calling him, Peter and the first place, Jesus was making a statement about who he would become. As we read about in the New Testament, Peter was not his original name. Not only did Jesus give him a new name, but he proclaimed that the same faith that Peter had in order to declare Jesus, the Messiah, would be the same faith on which Jesus would build his church. Even after Peter denied Jesus three times on the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus knew that his destiny would not be marked by denial, but by the faithful pursuit of the kingdom of God. Not long after the resurrection of Jesus, he met with Peter and reminded him of his love for him. When Jesus ascended, Peter would be instrumental in preaching one of the greatest sermons and history after which 3000 people gave their hearts to Christ. Peter would go onto live the rest of his days devoted to sharing the gospel. Ultimately he would give his own life For the sake of the gospel.

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.””

John‬ ‭21‬:‭15‬-‭19‬ ‭ESV

Jesus has rescued me from a troubled past. He rescues me still from my pride and my up-and-down faith. But I believe, just as in Peter, Jesus views me in light of the destiny that he has aligned and prepared for me. I believe the same is true for you. God sees you. He knows all of your hurt and your brokenness and your sin. He knows your needs and your wants. He is for you. No matter what you’ve done., or where you find yourself now. He wants a relationship with you. And if He already has that, He wants it to grow to new heights.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.