“…God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”
1 John 4:16b
Back in 1965 singer, Jackie DeShannon, recorded a song called “What the World Needs Now is Love.” It came at a time in America when there was much unrest. Racial tensions were high, the Vietnam War was going on, attitudes were changing and sometimes people disagreed in ways that were violent and hurtful. This song was a hit for DeShannon and hopefully it caused some people to rethink their behavior and respond in more kind and loving ways.
Hurtful actions and unkind attitudes are not new to us today either. We hear of family disputes, violence in our streets and disagreements that escalate out of control everyday. Yes, we do need more love. But instead of looking to a song for answers, perhaps we should look to God’s word. 1 Peter 4:16 tells us, “Above all, love each other deeply, because loves covers over a multitude of sins.” Also in Proverbs 10:12, we read, “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs.”
When we can look at our fellowman with God’s love in our hearts, then we see things differently. We see another individual lost without the love of God. We see someone that also is dealing with hurt and pain, someone that may be struggling to get through another day. But, praise be to God, we change that bad situation when we respond in love. Instead of strife and disagreement, we can have forgiveness and harmony. Instead of hurtful words being spoken, we can speak help and healing.
Yes, the world does need more love — the love that only God can give. A love that is joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled (paraphrased Galatian 5:22).