Love BEARS All Things

My heart was grieved this past week to see the “You’re Next” Tweet with all the ignorance and hatred behind it. I wanted so desperately to find a way to encourage and express my DEEP appreciation for officers who serve (I believe answer a calling) in the midst of this cast-off-restraint, crazed culture in which we live. I was thinking about you, and wondering why you would want to continue serving in the face of such misplaced, deliberate, manipulated and targeted hatred. As I was praying for you, this Scripture, usually read at weddings, came to mind. The Apostle Paul penned these words and he described what love looks like. Love is not an emotion, it is a commitment that follows up with actions. I could think of no better word to describe your service to our City in these messed-up times. Pausing my Wisdom series, I’d like to spend the next few weeks encouraging you with these words from an ancient letter challenging/encouraging its readers about what LOVE looks like.
  
LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS
I have mentioned several times the horrible things I have heard said about officers, their mother, etc from somebody taking a ride in the back seat of your car on the way to jail. I’ve heard officers taunted. On the news during the protests officers were screamed at, spit on and provoked every way possible. I know it’s training and I know it’s what you “have to do”, but continuing to serve people after being treated like this, bearing these kinds of things, is love in action. I am sure you don’t “feel” love towards people in these situations, but love is not a feeling. Loving people, treating them right despite their actions, is a choice and says more about your character than about your feelings.
  
I have been burdened this week by the “all things” you bear as you serve a society where many do not appreciate your sacrifice. Not only am I praying for you this week as you love and serve our City, but I want to be a reminder that it’s not the majority that has to shout the loudest. You have MANY in Arlington who respect and appreciate what you do and I am one of them!

Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

Love Series - Week 1   Week 2   Week 3   Week 4