This is a tumultuous time – in our world and in our country – but it is not a time for despair, regardless of the results of any/all elections.

I recently saw some posts on social media that contained the concept, and for some the actual words – that’s the end of democracy. To which I have two thoughts.

The first being, this is actually exactly how democracy works. Our government was built with checks and balances, and it is in the challenging times that we get to see, and be active participants of, how this system works for the benefit of its citizens. I personally still hold out hope that – regardless of what I see in the media/social media, and regardless of who was elected – this system of government will persevere.

That said …

The second thought is that my greater hope is not found in our government, or any government created by man. As the old hymn says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Scripture tells us that in Christ we can find peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7). It is because our Hope is built on the firm foundation of the everlasting truth of the Love of God that we can find peace even when the world around us feels chaotic. We are the people that others should look at with amazement and/or confusion, and ask, “How can you be so calm?”

We can have peace that others cannot understand because our hope rests in the eternal and perfect love of Christ.

As the song says, What the world needs now … is Love.

This is a wonderful thought … a wonderful idea … and wonderful advice. But it makes me ask, what does Love look like, and how do we go about demonstrating that love.

What does Love look like?

Thankfully, we don’t need to come up with differing, subjective definitions of Love. Scripture gives us a clear (if difficult to put into practice) definition.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love, a love like this, is not easy to give, especially in that face of pain, adversity, or our current polarized social situation. But this is the Love that we need.

How do we demonstrate that love?

This question presumes that we first agree that what we need is to show love – not force or insist that others show love. It is all too easy to point fingers at others and demand that they show love, or disparage them because they are not showing love. What is more difficult is to show love to others ourselves. It is the more difficult act that this world needs.

What this world needs is for me to Love others. This world needs all of us, as many have the courage to do so, to show this true, biblical Love in the face of fear, hatred, violence, and those who would continue to preach division instead of unity.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:8