Choosing loveALLogy this election

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
​- Galatians 5:6b

​The uncertainty of your future is a very daunting thought process.  More specifically today, the uncertainty of our country past this election has been a very thought-consuming process.  We’ve seen and read more news reports, we’ve heard more arguments in favor of and against the candidates than we’d like to admit.  We’ve likely gotten into some heated conversations that I’m certain have left us feeling discouraged and totally unproductive in the end.  I’m convinced that this is not at all how Jesus wants us to view or approach this election.  I’m certain He’s looking upon us wanting to give us peace and grace in this process. 
 
I’ve had a lot of time to think about this election, as you have too.  And tonight we await a final debate and the thing that keeps playing over in my head is not the debate or the election at all.  God has placed newfound hope in me today and He’s shed a light that I hadn’t seen.   I’m certain I had been blinded by all the “noise” on social media and the news that I hadn’t noticed the obvious.  So let me share with you what I hope will give you peace and point your heart and mind to the thing that should matter most to us right here, right now…
 
…and that thing, is you and I.  You matter more than anything in this election.  And you are more powerful than you might realize.  After the election is over and all is said and done, the candidates will continue to disappoint and to leave us with our heads shaking and friends and family will continue to disagree on hot topics.  But the one thing that stands is the relationships you and I build and the impact you and I make in this country and more specifically, in our direct circle of influence.  I think we have an even larger responsibility to our friends and to those around us than the politicians do to us. 
 
The impact a smile can make on someone’s life today is powerful.  A simple gesture out of love and care can give someone the motivation they need just to get through one more day.
 
And even more profound is the implications a helping hand can have on a family member or a neighbor; offering to help someone move, volunteering to paint a friend’s room or change a light bulb for someone who needs the assistance or making a meal for someone who is ill.
 
And even yet more profound can be the “just because” helping hand. Making a meal for a family just because, offering to watch a friend’s child(ren) so they can have a date night just because, leaving a thank you note or a flower on someone’s desk just because, sending a sweet email or text to encourage someone and to let them know you care about them and are thinking about them, just because. 
 
If we all did this once a month, once a week, once every day, imagine the impact this could have on the thing that matters most, PEOPLE!  This in no way is a reprimand but rather a reminder of the important person you are and the blessing you can be on someone’s life.
 
We’ll call this loveALLogy – the art of loving like Jesus.  Jesus cares about people.  He cares about you and I.  He is love: agápē (Greek)- “the highest form of love, charity; the love of God for man … agápē embraces a universal, unconditional love that transcends, that serves regardless of circumstances.”[1] 
 
We can take a stand on many issues being addressed this election.  But why don’t we take a different stand today?  Let’s start a wave of love and make this the most LOVING election there ever was because we dared to love like Jesus loves.
 
Onward and upward to change lives,
Damaris Avila


[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agape