“ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”” (John 13:35)

Colin Kaepernick, a Quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers who began a personal protest against our national anthem by choosing to sit silently when it was played before an NFL preseason game. His reasoning was based on social injustices towards American minorities and the history of the man who wrote the Star Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key. Many Americans became angry, justifiably so. Anytime something you love is criticized, it hurts.

I’d like to take a moment to remind ourselves of one key fact which we so often forget, we are Christians first and foremost. Regardless of your feelings towards an individual’s stance and/or method, it does not change the fact that we are Christians before we are Americans.

Let us respond to factors in life in a way that is becoming of Christ followers, meaning we ought to love each other even when we vehemently disagree with their views or actions. It is through this action, loving each other, that all people will know that we are disciples of Jesus Christ.

Let your light shine!