Why?

Why do people vote against their own interests?

The phenomenon of low-income earners voting to support policies that help the rich is spreading around the world.

Partially this is because they don't understand the policies sufficiently and they are told it is in the interests of a good economy.

But the main reason is because people no longer vote with their heads they just react to hate and fear which is fed to them relentlessly.

We are told that any socialist policies will increase taxes and ruin the economy.

And we are poisoned with hatred of individual candidates, especially women.

So while we are voting in a climate of fear and hate we will be voting against our own interests.


Photo Credit: shoehorn99 Flickr via Compfight cc
(The image has been slightly modified.)

Art.

It is true that art can compensate for our disappointments in life.

Edifying, educating, even interesting art can give us a lift and a focus that we would otherwise lack.

But what is art compensating us for?

Love.

If there is a lack of love in our lives it is like living in a desert.

Art is an oasis in that desert.

But the garden that we all are seeking is Love.


Photo Credit: Lorenzo Bl Flickr via Compfight cc

Compassion.

Rather than becoming hard and tough in response to life's harsh experiences we should consider the alternative response of compassion.

Rather than making religion hard and tough like the world we should seek to make the world compassionate and merciful like true religion.

True religion is centered in the heart.

Do not let us harden our hearts.

But help us to show compassion to those who are suffering.

Life can make us cynical and bitter.

But contact with the Living God leads to Love.

Because God is Love.

And His heart is full of compassion for us.

So do not listen to those who say that God is our judge, and that He punishes sin.

God is merciful and forgiving.

He does not punish us.

Let alone condemn us or damn us.

Fear not.

Pray to God.

And be delivered.


Photo Credit: Pascal Rey Photographies Flickr via Compfight cc

God's Plan.

You will often hear people talking about God's Plan.

But no one seems to know exactly what that plan is.

However I believe that God has a dream.

A dream that everyone will live in harmony and joy together.

I do not believe that God (or Jesus) will come to judge us and bless those who are good and damn those who are evil.

I believe that God judges no one.

And this is backed up by the Biblical witness.

No one will perish.

Rather God will pardon those who have harmed us.

As for evil people God will take their demons from them and make them new people.

They will be transformed by the Love of God.

Then we will want only to do good in the world and spread our love to everyone.


Photo Credit: bratispixl Flickr via Compfight cc

Fear Not Child.

Think back.

Back to when you were a child.

Back to Sunday School.

When you first heard about Jesus and God.

What did they tell you?

Did they threaten you with hell?

Did they punish and shame you?

Did they make you feel guilty and afraid?

Because none of these things comes from God.

They are human failings.

And failing to see.

God judges no one.

God punishes no one.

God is our loving Father.

And a loving father does not punish his children.

So fear not!

Your sins are forgiven.

And your soul is safe in Heaven.


Photo Credit: Cihat Ertem Flickr via Compfight cc
(The image has been slightly modified.)

The Dream.

We can easily become discouraged by world events that go counter to our wishes for a better world.

When people choose hatred and fear instead of love.

When governments make war instead of peace.

When we see oppression, exploitation, domination, and brutality.

When no one seems to be listening.

It is at these times that we need to keep the dream alive.

No matter how badly things are going we must keep our vision clear and persevere regardless.

We must never give up.

God gives us hope.

Hope for a better world.

We must keep this hope alive in our hearts and share our hope with others. 


Photo Credit: mattk1979 Flickr via Compfight cc

How Can We Allay Their Fears?

Because it is fear that drives violence and force anything that triggers people's fears will result in trouble.

So how can we allay their fears?

It says in the scriptures that perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18)

So how can we practise perfect love?

Love will not retaliate.

Love will not avenge.

Love will not show anger.

Love will not condemn.

Love will forgive.

Love will show mercy.

Love will persevere.

Love will reassure.

Love will make amends.

Love will give another chance.

Love will not forget you.

Love is inclusive.

Love is even-handed.

Love is tolerant.

Love is unconditional.

If we can develop these aspects of love then perhaps we can allay some of the fears in the world.


Photo Credit: The Daily Telegraph.