‘Be kind to one another
After reading last Saturday’s news coverage about the hate-filled tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia, I wanted to write this column. Sunday morning the Rev. Matt DuVall, pastor of Rome First Baptist Church, gave a sermon that clearly instructed the congregation, television and online audience, on how as individuals we should respond with care and consideration. I am sure other pastors’ sermons were also on this topic.
As I began to write this column, my wife, Barbara, emailed our family a devotion containing this verse from Ephesians 4:32 … “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another, even as God has for Christ’s sake forgiven you.”
We learned this verse at an early age and its lesson offers direction for improving the position of where our country stands today.
I am sure most of you have followed the Aug. 12 tragedy. What followed has been relentless news accounts and endless commenting on why this event (and others) even happen. Why are we seeing a rise in hate and racial intolerance? If you follow social media, you witnessed people ratcheting up the conversation with comments that would probably be better if unspoken.
Rev. DuVall encouraged us to not stand for bigotry or hatred of anyone, for whatever reason, as it’s not only offensive on a human level but is incompatible with the gospel of Jesus. The two cannot go together.
We should speak up for those different from us or who have less than we do. We need to work for justice and peace for all men, women and children. OTIS RAYBON
I have a friend who posted a photo of his young son’s basketball team on Facebook. This good-looking group of young men consisted of white, African-American, Asian, Italian and Irish descents. You know what else they were? They were smiling broadly and were happy with each other’s company. They see no differences in each other. I would say these young men are forming relationships that will last a lifetime. I also believe they would stand up for each other when adversity in life causes pain.
If we are going to change our country, we must develop a love and respect for all the people who cross our paths every day. Most of you have children and grandchildren who could fill photos as I have described. Reflect on those photos and be sure you are teaching not only self-respect but also the joy that comes when we respect others, regardless of life’s differences.
In early 2016 the Rome News Tribune ran a news story that informed our readers of a Michigan-based Neo-Nazi group that had received a permit for a rally at Rome City Hall. Former RN-T Editor Mike Colombo wrote his column challenging the community to resist the urge to counter protest the hate group. Instead Mike suggested a “big party with balloons, food and fun.” He encouraged everyone to attend and leave the Nazis all by themselves. The community did not do exactly as Mike suggested, but a group did host a “turn your back on hate” protest across the street. Rome Mayor Jamie Doss attended the protest and said, “Rome is working hard to reach its potential, and the only way we can reach our potential is to embrace our diversity.”
These tragic events are going to challenge each of us as individuals, families, churches, neighbors and friends. We must be able to recognize what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes we may need help from others to rein our emotions in and even be willing to sing Ephesians 4:32.