Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”
Luke 6:27-28
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has been a holiday of controversy since it was first recognized by President Ronald Reagan, on November 2, 1983. Although it was passed by Congress by an overwhelming 338 to 90 in the House of Representatives and 78 to 22 in the Senate, there were a number of states that chose not to observe the holiday. It was not until January 2000, the holiday was observed by all the states.
You may ask, “Why is this important?” I believe the importance lies in what Jesus was teaching in the verses above. We are to love our enemies. We are to love those who oppose us. Jesus taught us, it is easy to love our friends and families, but the true measure of our love is whether we love our enemies.
Whether you like or dislike Martin Luther King, Jr., we can all recognize him as a man who chose to love his enemies. He was a man who chose to follow the teachings of Christ. He was a man who served the people.
Many know him as the social activist who opposed racial discrimination, but many do not know the Christian man. King, Jr. was the pastor at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. It is obvious he was greatly influenced by his walk with the Lord and his study of the Bible, as his speeches often reflect the teaching style of Jesus.
Throughout the years, many things will be said of King, Jr., but his love for all people and his service to his community will always be remembered. How will you be remembered?
I have decided to stick with love.
Hate is too great a burden to bear.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-
Posted via email from ..................The Last Call Digest
