I don’t understand hatred. When I look around every single day at every person around me, I don’t have feelings of disgust, hate or judgement. Sure I’m guilty of all of those things--I’m human and I was born a sinful being--but I am born again in Christ. I have been blessed with the Holy Spirit inside of me, who can live past those immediate reactions. I cannot hate anyone because Jesus did not just die on the cross for my sins and my salvation, but He died to save everyone. I am not more worthy of love and grace than the person next to me. We are called to live like Christ. That is to love, and not to judge. The only being that is able to cast judgement is the Lord.

I believe that we are to love everyone, regardless of their sexuality, gender, religion, economic class, age, size or appearance. With that being said, it is not to be taken with a different meaning. When I say that I love everyone, that does not mean that I have to agree with their lifestyle. I also don’t have to force my beliefs on them, either. I will continue to strive to live a life that is an example of the life of Christ while loving others, no matter the circumstance.

I am deeply saddened by the world we live in. Everything in the news is lead by hatred or judgement. Orlando was just one example of the countless acts of violence that have been committed in the past year. I wish people would be able to see past the outward appearance or their own ideas, and see the soul underneath every person. Everyone you encounter is a daughter or a son, a father or a mother, a sister or a brother. They are loved by or love someone else in this world.

While people are arguing about gun regulations or what’s “right” or “wrong,” I am just going to love. In the end, it doesn’t matter what laws are passed, who becomes President or what the biggest news story is. What matters most is that we are a country lead by love and not hate. I hope for whoever reads this that you are even slightly impacted. Go and show someone you love them today, whether that’s a complete stranger or a family member. Whether it’s the barista at your local coffee shop or the person testing your patience in line at the grocery store. Show someone love.

Laugh. Overjoy. Volunteer. Embrace.

If you don’t know how to show love to someone, just remember the simple word this whole article is about. L.O.V.E.

Laugh with someone, do something to make them feel overjoyous. Volunteer to help a stranger or someone you know. Lastly, embrace them for who they are. Everyone is made to love, we are the very creation of the One who loves the most.