So much violence has been going on in the world lately. Especially in my home state of North Carolina. In Charlotte, North Carolina, there have been protests because of a fatal police shooting. There has been peaceful calls for unity as well as violent destruction. Many local businesses have had their windows broken from protestors throwing bottles and leaving broken glass everywhere. Fireworks have been thrown, metal and hotel flower pots were thrown at police cars, and a lot of graffiti has been illustrated on walls of the city.

This all leaves one question: where is the love?

It's not in the protests, it's not in the destruction, it's not in the murders, it's not in the shootings. So where is it?

It's in forgiveness. It's in God.

God calls us to love one another.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

God calls us to forgive each other.

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:13-14

But what if they're my enemy?

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Matthew 5:43-44.

How is that possible?

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:18-21

The passage of 1 Corinthians 13 isn't just about romantic love. It's also about friendly love and love for everyone you encounter.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

So what are we supposed to do about the people who shot and killed someone? Pray for them, love them. What are we supposed to do about the police who shot and killed someone? Pray for them, love them. What are we supposed to do about the violent protestors destroying the neighborhoods? Pray for them and love them as God does.