We live in a world that has evolved to consider a man’s machismo to be some kind of defining characteristic of his greatness, his ability to lead others. In some sense, I suppose if a people are in a perpetual state of conflict, it might be more desirable to have a warrior as a leader, but if a populace chooses to live in a world where peace reigns, where diplomacy counts for something, then it might be more advantageous to seek leaders who exhibit compassion – even towards adversaries. Besides, there’s nothing that says a man can’t be a warrior and still have love and compassion in his heart.

Most men in our modern societies live in a paradox in which our leaders have come to be seen as great macho he-man types like W Bush in photo ops in a flight suit on a carrier, or out clearing brush with a big stump on his shoulder that probably took several Secret Service guys to lift for the nano second it took to get a photo. Maybe they had early versions of photo edit to fake it, but in any event, W Bush was not a he-man! The paradox is that the fellows who attempt to portray such strength are typically the most feeble and weak among us, but somehow, they are able to portray bravery and/or strength to the extent that many folks actually believe this is who they are. If talking counted, both Bush and Trump would be Arnold Schwarzeneggers, but alas, talking doesn’t count and they are mere mortals. Now without getting too far into the woods, just remember guys like this and their need to appear to be bold warriors when in fact they are just average – or below average – men with image insecurity.

It is precisely a man’s inner fear of being seen as weak and/or vulnerable that inhibits any appearance of compassion from “leaders” who have an innate need to show strength. This is where most of them reveal their true weakness, for if you think about it, our Almighty God Himself isn’t above being seen as compassionate. Indeed, He allows Himself to be described as Love itself. [1 John 4:8]: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” He who does not love does not know God – what a damnable situation, yet these guys who are afraid of showing love – refrain from such guys precisely because they obviously (and erroneously) regard being compassionate as a sign of weakness.

The Lord Jesus Christ, indisputably the greatest Leader to have ever existed, spoke endlessly of love – love that is needed; no, required, of His followers. Today’s politicians meticulously avoid any mention of love – neither for God nor their fellow humans – I suppose in order to avoid being seen as weak or vulnerable. Yet the prophet Micah said [Micah 6:8]:“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Mercy? Humility? Is mercy what makes the president order missiles to be fired on unidentified boats in the Caribbean? Is humility endlessly boasting of his historical greatness?

Some time ago, this same president and his spooks set up a situation in which they (and other nations/intelligence apparatuses) were able to convince a prominent general in another nation to embark on what he was convinced was to be an important peace mission and when he was travelling to pursue this, he was murdered with an American missile fired on his car. This country was not at war, nor even considering conflict (at least publicly) with that nation at the time. It was cold-blooded murder! There are many people in this country who swear by this man who does such things and still call themselves Christians. Now can you see why at the judgement Jesus will tell those “Christians” to depart from Him because He never knew them? For crying out loud they throw their undying support behind a murderer with no hint of mercy in his heart!

Love is a critical attribute for all of us who serve Christ, though many of us studiously avoid practicing it. Most don’t even want to talk about love. But when our very Creator wishes to be called loving and compassionate, how does being seen to love their fellow human beings detract from one’s purported manhood? Or maybe the dispassionate persecution and slaughter of innocent people are the new macho? In truth, this image is conceived and carried out as a tool of Satan. It is a symptom of hatred, pure and simple. How is sending a bunch of masked, armed goons out to body slam Americans (or anyone else, really) and arrest them with no due process making Donald Trump out to be some kind of valorous hero? I guess if you have enough hate in your heart it might work for you, but I personally believe God created this country for all of His people – no human being or group of human beings own it. It all belongs to God, and we are merely stewards of this part of His creation, and we desperately need to get that through our heads.

The only way anyone is going to get into heaven is for them to learn how to love – their fellow human beings, their fellow Christians, but most importantly, God. In fact, the greatest commandment Jesus gave us was [Mark 12:30]: “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment”. And in another place Jesus says [Matthew 22:37-40]: “Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Love is indeed a powerful attribute; seek it; if you are lacking, pray for the Spirit to bless you with God’s love. That’s where love comes from. From God Who is love. [2 Thessalonians 3:5]:” Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

Heaven is going to be a spectacular place, and no doubt enormous, but there ain’t room for anyone there with hatred in their heart. There’s a lot of things that will exclude folks from entering into the Lord’s paradise, but I’m pretty sure hatred ranks among the top, so if anyone is thinking it’s ok to hate on someone because he/she is Latino, African, or Asian, etc., even if they don’t have the proper paperwork, just remember when our ancestors showed up here. They didn’t speak the language, they didn’t have citizenship, but they made themselves at home here, didn’t they? In short, you have no agency to claim to be Christian if you believe God is going to overlook racism and hatred, even for those “illegally” here. [Malachi 3:5]:”And I will come near you for judgment;
I will be a swift witness
Against sorcerers,
Against adulterers,
Against perjurers,
Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans,
And against those who turn away an alien—
Because they do not fear Me,”
Says the Lord of hosts.

Unlike hatred, love doesn’t make you old before your time. Love doesn’t interfere with your peace. Love provides fertile soil to grow lasting friendships. Love also covers a multitude of sins – nothing else in all of creation can do that.

If you harbor hate, repent of it now and learn about love – don’t wait until it’s too late – in any event, you will surely learn it. The bravest and most heroic of men are made complete when they practice love and compassion. That’s what “men of good heart” means.

May the blessings of the Almighty Father find and keep us.

MK