John 15:9-14 – As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

White cross emblazoned upon black leather vest
Red circled hash-mark crossed
Bloodied words
"Bad Religion"
Tattered black jeans sporting lethal knife
chained to black belt
Black commando boots
bleached blond mohawk
tipped with blood red stain
loudly proclaiming hate
loudly shouting, protesting, rebelling
against all I hold dear.

What was he really saying in all this?
Was he saying he is against love?
Was he saying he is against forgiveness?
Was he saying all morality, all purity, all hope is futile?
Or was he merely proclaiming
his own hurt, hopelessness, anger, and pain?
Was he crying out for help — however belligerently?
Was he boldly taking a stand against hypocrisy — my own hypocrisy?
Is that why his statement hurt so?
Because he challenges me to love my enemy,
do good to those who hate me,
turn the other cheek,
and otherwise deny myself,
take up the Cross of Christ,
the cross of love,
the cross of hope,
and follow the Bloodied One
who died for me — and for him,
who loves him more than he could begin to imagine,
who offers true freedom, comfort, and joy
to those who believe on Him.
Jesus Christ did that, you know,
for you, for me, and for the lad with the black jacket.

Prayer: Lord God, in Jesus' name, remove my preconceived notions and prejudices that I may see others with your eyes. Lord, I pray for those who so loudly protest your love, that they may see you, feel that all-encompassing, abiding and steadfast love, and accept that love in faith. Amen.

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About the author:

Cassandra Wessel <casswessel4319@gmail.com>
Tionesta, Pennsylvania, USA
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