Beloved community, as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, I am reminded of his timeless words and the enduring power of love. Dr. King, a man of profound faith and courage, taught us that love is the only way to heal the brokenness of our world.
Some of my favorite quotes by Dr. King resonate deeply with me:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
These words challenge us to choose love over division, action over apathy, and hope over despair. Today, as we commemorate Dr. King’s legacy, we also witness a significant moment in our nation’s history – the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump and the peaceful transition of power. In this time of transition, my prayer is for unity, healing, and peace. We pray that the transfer of leadership will be marked by respect, wisdom, and a shared commitment to the greater good. Dr. King reminded us that love is not passive – it is an active force that binds us together and propels us forward.
The Apostle Paul echoes this truth in his letter to the Corinthians:
“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. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, NIV)
As we conclude our time of fasting at Live Well Church, I encourage us to reflect on the role that love plays in our walk with God and in our service to one another. Fasting has not only drawn us closer to God but has also prepared us to love more deeply, forgive more freely, and serve more selflessly. Let our love walk be a light in the world, a testimony to God’s transformative power, and a source of hope for those around us.
My wife and I, along with our children, are not only proud Americans, but we are also profoundly grateful for our faith in Christ, which guides our lives. More than anything, we are led by the principles of Christ’s teachings on love. It is His love that gives us the strength to embrace unity, stand for justice, and to serve others with compassion and humility. Today, let us commit to being agents of love and unity. Let us serve one another, care for our neighbors, and honor the legacy of Dr. King by living out his vision of a world rooted in justice, peace, and love. Together, we can reflect the light of Christ and show the world that love is indeed the most powerful force on earth.
May God bless you, may He bless our nation, and may He continue to guide us as we seek to live well, love well, and walk in His purpose. With love and sincerity,
Pastor Kahlil Carmichael, MDiv