LOVE THROUGH IT: A Call to Rise Above Hate

In recent weeks, our world has been shaken. Mass shootings are on the rise. We’ve witnessed the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the senseless killing of ICE agents, and hateful attacks rooted in religious and political division. These events are not isolated—they are symptoms of a deeper issue: a society fractured by fear, anger, and misunderstanding.

As I reflect on these times, I’m reminded of a truth that has never failed me: Hate breeds hate. When people feel unheard, unseen, or oppressed, it’s easy to lash out. But violence is never the answer. We are all part of a larger story—this storybook called life—and while we may feel like pawns, we are not powerless. We have a choice. And I choose love.

What Does It Mean to “Love Through It”?

I say this often: Love Through It. But what does that mean?

I speak as an African-American woman, a former minister, and a proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Some might say I have four strikes against me. But I say, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. My identity is not a burden—it’s a blessing. And that’s where “Loving Through It” begins.

1. Stand on His Principles

God’s character is rooted in love. His moral compass points us toward compassion, grace, and justice. As Michelle Obama once said, “When they go low, we go high.” That’s not just a slogan—it’s a spiritual discipline. We must resist the temptation to mirror hate with hate. Instead, we must reflect God’s love, even when it’s hard.

I know who I am. I know I have a divine purpose. And I refuse to let hate, greed, or jealousy distract me from my mission. Our purpose is bigger than us—it’s about the collective good. So I will love through it, just as Jesus did.

2. Act—But Act in Love

Love is not passive. It’s not silent. It moves. It speaks. It stands up.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us what it means to act in love. His peaceful protests, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his dream of equality changed the course of history. He didn’t fight hate with hate—he fought it with hope, with courage, and with love.

We’ve seen the power of peaceful protest in the fight for women’s rights, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. These movements weren’t fueled by violence—they were driven by love. Love for justice. Love for freedom. Love for humanity.

So yes, we must act. But let our actions be rooted in love. Let them be memorable for their grace, not their aggression.

3. Be Still and Trust God

After we’ve stood firm and acted in love, there’s one more step: Be still.

Let God do what only He can do. The Bible reminds us, “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” Vengeance is not ours to take. Justice, true justice, comes from the Lord.

When the world feels like it’s falling apart, when hope seems lost, when anger threatens to consume us—Love Through It. Because love is not just a feeling. It’s a force. It’s patient. It’s kind. It doesn’t envy or boast. It keeps no record of wrongs. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

History Proves It: Love Wins

History is on the side of love. Women won the right to vote in 1920. The Civil Rights Act passed in the 1960s. Women’s ministerial rights gained ground in the 20th century. LGBTQ+ rights are advancing every day. These victories didn’t come from hate—they came from love, persistence, and faith.

So, to anyone feeling broken, angry, or afraid: I see you. I hear you. But I urge you—don’t let the darkness win. Don’t let hate define your story.

Love Through It.

Because God did. He gave His only Son so that we might live. That’s the ultimate act of love. And if He can do that for us, surely we can love one another through the storms.

Let’s live with purpose. Let’s act with compassion. Let’s trust in God’s promises. And above all, let’s Love Through It—together.

A Command to Love

We enter the world with a tendency to turn away from God’s design. Every thought, action, or attitude that opposes divine character is sin, whether it’s selfishness, gossip, or envy. Yet God’s heart is to forgive—He sent His only Son to atone for our failures and call us to a higher way of living.

Our Shared Sinful Nature

From Adam and Eve onward, humanity has carried a flawed inclination toward disobedience. Pinpointing someone else’s sin often blinds us to our own. Whether it’s lying, coveting, or sexual immorality, every sin separates us from the life God intends. Humility begins when we confess that none of us stands above another.

God’s Unfailing Grace

Grace means we’re not judged by our worst moments but held by God’s steadfast mercy. Christ’s sacrifice isn’t a license to live carelessly, but the foundation for a transformed life. When we believe in Jesus, we step into a promise of eternal fellowship with God.

The Greatest Commandment: Love

Jesus distilled all moral law into two commands: love God and love neighbor. True love reflects God’s own character—patient, kind, and just. It does not tally wrongs or thrive in pride, but seeks the good of others above self.

Loving Without Judgment

Judgment fractures community; compassion builds it. Ranking sins distracts us from the daily call to walk humbly. Embracing others’ perspectives doesn’t compromise truth—it honors God’s image in every person. We free ourselves from prejudice when we surrender judgment and extend grace.

Practical Steps to Love Our Neighbors

•             Listen actively without interrupting or offering quick fixes

•             Offer forgiveness before insisting on apologies

•             Defend the marginalized in word and deed

•             Respect civil liberties, even when views differ

•             Serve community needs without seeking credit

Conclusion

Loving as God loves transforms our relationships and our world. When we practice humility, extend grace, and choose compassion over criticism, we reflect Christ’s heart. Let’s rise to this command: love harder, love better, and let every action testify to God’s unfailing love.

Stop the Suffering

"LGBTQ individuals have suffered long enough under oppression and discrimination. For people of color who are gay, the burden is even heavier—facing disproportionate violence, systemic barriers in housing, employment, and public spaces, and the crushing weight of psychological harm. Depression, anxiety, and despair are not born from who they are, but from how they are treated."

Exposing the Injustice

"Consider this: 40% of women who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are incarcerated, compared to just 5.1% of the U.S. female population. This is not a coincidence—it is the result of systemic bias, increased police scrutiny, and laws that criminalize behaviors more prevalent in marginalized communities. Women of color, in particular, face layers of discrimination and harassment that cannot be ignored."

Challenging Misinterpretations

"Much of this stigma has been justified through misused scripture. Genesis 19 and Leviticus 18 have been twisted into weapons of control, when in truth, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah was not about love between people—it was about greed, domination, and the neglect of the poor. The true sin was the abuse of power by the wealthy elite, who cared nothing for the disenfranchised."

The Call to Love

"We must stop destroying our people through judgment and misconceptions. We must stop creating discord and mental anguish by refusing to accept others as they are. We are the cause—but we can also be the remedy. Jesus came to show us how to love. He reminded us that the greatest commandment is love. Not control. Not exclusion. Love."

Vision for the Future

"Imagine a world where no one has to hide who they are. Where hate does not breed hate, but love multiplies love. Where communities are safe spaces—beautiful, inclusive, caring, and strong. That is the world we are called to build. That is the world we must choose to create."

The Rallying Cry

"We need to love like Jesus. We need to live like Jesus. And we need to build a healthier nation by tearing down the walls of bias and fear. Only then will we honor the commandment that matters most: to love one another. Let us be the remedy. Let us be the love."