Hate in America

That was the headline of USA Today Newspaper I saw in Meijer’s this afternoon.

It was in reference to the South Carolina church shooting where nine black Christians were shot and killed by a twenty-one year old white man. This tragedy concerns me on a number of levels. It concerns me as a Christian, a church member, a pastor, an American and as a citizen who strives to judge people not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

I wonder how much hate there truly is versus how much is trying to be stirred up. I know that the majority of people I interact with on a daily basis do not hate me. Nor do I hate them. So why make a headline such as this? The only reason is to cause more trouble to produce more news to ensure job security. After all, what fun is there in reporting about people getting along.

I often encourage people to turn off their news outlets for six months to see how it affects their lives. In every case, life is more pleasant and peaceful. That’s what happens when you get rid of that annoying little voice in your ear that is constantly trying to put fear and doubt in your heart.