This is one of my favorite President Abraham Lincoln quotes.
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." -Abraham Lincoln
We celebrate president's day next week. It was a painful time of division in our nation's history. Lincoln hated seeing brother against brother. He hated slavery. He hated seeing families with empty seats around the table.
He was a man who tasted loss at a young age and was deeply impacted by the griefs he carried. His mother, his first love, and the deaths of his sons.
Lincoln loved to read. Without many books available, he read the Bible many times in his youth. The words and knowledge of God's character was written on his heart. It made him entertaining at times in the courtroom. His wit was quick and his knowledge of the Word was deep.
Many books on Lincoln, including his own writings made a record of the weight of the power in his hands. At times, he was able to do the right thing even if it was unwelcome by many. Other times, he struggled to choose the lesser of two evils. He lived in the proverbial spot between the rock and a hard place.
Character is who you are when know one is looking. Loving our neighbor takes on many faces, but love is always the best choice. In love we learn to forgive and to appreciate our differences. In love we can press on when the weight is heavy because we can share the load.
"Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing." -2 Thessalonians 1:3
Keep loving.
Today, I am grateful love that grows.
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