Happy Independence Day USA!

The American glory of Red, White, and Blue, is celebrated on Independence Day on July 4. It is on this day in 1776 that the USA declared its independence from Great Britain. Prior to gaining our independence, there were many years of hostilities. Now, there is a profound respect and cooperation between the nations. Through the grace of God and time, hearts can soften, and wounds heal.

This verse in Mathew’s gospel encourages us to love as “to will the good of the other.” Always, the first step is to pray for a person or country that you may be at odds with. You can desire their good remembering that God loves them just as much as He loves us. The rain falls on the just and the unjust (5:45). Only Jesus can change hearts, so let Him start by changing your heart. Then by the grace of God, your baby steps will take great strides toward becoming “perfect” just like your heavenly Father is perfect (5:48).