Of all his writings, the one that has had the most profound impact on me is Rev King's "The Strength to Love." In it he acknowledges that the easy thing is to hate; the challenge is to love.
The authorities hated Jesus; but he spoke words of love for them - even from the cross.
It takes a strong person to love, to love regardless, to love those who would reject our love.
We need Pastor King's witness. The events in Furguson, MO, and NYC triggered anger and hatred. The systemic frustration emerged here in Clemson, where hateful exchanges have raised the question of banning "YikYak" from the University server. There have been demonstrations and counter demonstrations about restoring the original name to our main building. Our SC State Poet was not part of this year's inauguration. Tensions are high; careless comments are being made. Where is the strength to love?
In cleansing the Temple, Jesus proves that Christians are not to be pushovers. But his zeal for his father's house must consume those things which stand between us and our ability to receive God's Word; not in place of it. The flash-points referred to above are that - flash points. They are the cracks through which built up pressure emerges. We must address those issues, but we must also admit they become issues because of a system which remains to treat some differently.
Jesus did not always treat people the same. He showed deference to the marginalized. "Those who are well have no need of a doctor." he said. The strength to love is necessary; necessary for us to honestly look at ourselves and the society we have constructed. It takes strength to see it through the eyes of another, through the eyes of those who were not invited to to participate in the putting together of the structures that guide our daily lives.
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