When I feel, I have not been treated fairly and justly, I long for an apology.  I believe that is human nature.  All of us want to be treated and loved justly and fairly.  After all, isn’t that the Golden Rule – to love others the same way you love yourself?  However, we make mistakes; we often do not recognize or we overlook how we should treat others – possibly not realizing that we have hurt someone else through our actions – or even lack of actions.  But, have you thought about why God wants us to love others the way we love ourselves?

In Joel 2:12-19, God is the one who longs for the people’s repentance.  God wants them to realize that they are breaking the Commandments – not only loving God as they should, but also treating each other disrespectfully.  “The Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time.  Give me your hearts…Return to the Lord your God.’” (Joel 2:12-13, NLT Translation).

Here is the thing…Giving our hearts over to God through our repentance will change everything!  Repentance is the decision to “Turn Away from your Sin.”  It is the decision to turn towards God.  It means that God will guide your life – making you aware of how you are living your life and how you are treating others.

It is difficult to remember that all people are God’s children.  Hurting others is the same as hurting God.  It is the reason we are to love others the same way we love ourselves.

Let us pray…Dear God, help us to remember that all people belong to you.  You want to protect all of us from injustice and unfairness.  Be with us and guide us into your will for loving others.  Amen.