Articles by Other Authors

Love Overcomes Hate

by Shana Schutte
“Hatred can only be handled by generous love that can heal a heart.”

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.  1 Corinthians 13:4-5

I love the Bible. It’s a never-ending treasure trove of truth. Many of its truths are happy making. These are the kind that make you want to shout “Hallelujah!” and do a little dance.

Then there are others that aren’t so fun, but we still need to hear them because they are life giving. I call these Ouchy Truths. I ran across one of them the other day. It’s in 1 John 3:15.

“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”

I’ve read this verse before with the knowledge that being characterized by love is a sign that we have passed from death to life and that we belong to Christ . . .but today I saw this scripture differently.

In the past, I thought of 1 John 3:15 like this: To God, hating is like murder. But it’s really not murder because no one actually physically dies.

But yesterday, it struck me that the Scripture doesn’t say the person who is characterized by hate is like a murderer. It says they ARE a murderer.

Ouchy Truth.

After I realized this, I recorded my thoughts in my journal like this:

But how can someone be a murderer if there is no physical death involved? If someone doesn’t rob, they aren’t a robber. If someone doesn’t gossip, they aren’t a gossip. Someone is only a murderer if they murder.

But this passage doesn’t say someone is like a murderer when they are characterized by hate. It says they ARE a murderer, and that is an entirely different thing. But how can this be?

The popular answer to this question is that if I hate someone, I am no different from a murderer in my attitude toward them—and that is true.

But what if there is more to this verse? What if murder can be inflicted—not only on physical bodies—but also on souls?
What if what guns and knives can do to a physical body, hatred can do to a soul?

What if hatred can kill someone’s spirit, that immaterial part of them that God treasures? Is it possible to mangle someone’s soul (their mind, will, and emotions) with hatred? Is it possible to wound their heart? Is it possible, if someone is mean enough, or abusive enough, that they can emotionally kill someone, so much so, that they feel wounded beyond repair?

I think so.

Wow.

God says hatred is murder, but perhaps not only in the way that we think.

We truly are our brother’s keeper, not just physically, but emotionally too. And when we love, we show that we belong to Jesus.

What an amazing thought!

“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death” (1 John 3:14).
​
Prayer
Lord, please help me to care not only for the physical needs of others, but also for their souls. Amen.

Read More
About Shana:
I married for the first time when I was 46. Like a lot of single women, I thought getting married would just happen, kind of like graduating from kindergarten or getting my high school diploma. But it didn’t happen that way at all. And when it didn’t, I experienced some pretty painful and confusing emotions. (Maybe you can relate.) I had been praying for years for someone special to come into my life. (Maybe you can relate to this, too!) I grieved not having children and my story not turning out the way I expected. (And. . . maybe this makes you say, "I get it!") But something interesting started happening after I (finally!) tied the knot in my early forties. Single women like you started reaching out to me to ask me for relationship advice. Read More https://www.singleover30.net/
Personal Note: We feel a deep sadness on earth but also joy in heaven upon hearing of Shana Schutte's passing, the author of this article. She was truly a light in this dark world. Although she married in her 40s, Shana continued to support singles through her incredible ministry, SingleOver30.net. Her efforts included writing books, hosting a podcast, providing coaching, and more—all aimed at helping singles in their life journeys and their pursuit of marriage. To learn more about her life, click here: https://www.drinkwinemortuary.com/obituary/Shana-SchutteMiller

To Those In Need of the Light by Kris Swiatocho, Inspired by Judah Coe

It was another day, gathering supplies for those in need due to Hurricane Helene. I was at my church’s hub, sorting boxes of supplies, when I came across this note, placed between donated clothes and toiletries, written by a young boy, named Judah Coe. All I could do was stand in awe, which changed to delight, then into tears. What an inspiring note.
 
Judah wrote:
To Those in Need of the Light
Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in [b]green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
 
He wrote, “God’s got you no matter what you’ve seen or who’ve you have lost, He’s got you. Signed: Judah Coe, then a PS of We Pray for You, and he drew a sheep and Jesus’ hand holding a staff.
 
As I read his note, I wondered what inspired this child to write this note. He didn’t know who would get it or read it. He didn’t write his contact information. He simply knew that someone needed it. They needed God’s word of hope, provision, and rest. A promise from God, for HE is our Shepherd, Leader, Guide, and Father. But also a reminder that those who trust in God will forever live with Him.
 
So, who was this note for? Should I put it back between the donated coat and bottle of shampoo to go to that needy family? Should I make sure it doesn’t get thrown away by accident? Or wait, maybe this note was meant for me instead? Did I need to hear this message? Did I need reminding of God’s words? Do you?
 
While much of the world has returned to “normal,” those of us in Western NC are still dealing with the aftermath of the hurricane. There are thousands still in hotels, tents, campers, and RVs. There are still so many needs to repair and rebuild homes. There are people without jobs, families, or a future. Despite the work and cleanup that has been done and some of the cities that have been able to return, there is still much work to do. I am so thankful to our many volunteers and donations that continue to help change people’s lives. I am grateful to my God, who has used me each day to help to minister to others. I am also thankful to little Judah Coe, who took the time to write a note that changed my life that day.  .6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. AMEN
About Kris:
​Kris Swiatocho is in full-time ministry focusing on single adults. She is the author of 7 books, including: Intentional Relationships for Singles. For more information, www.TheSinglesNetwork.org Ministries and/or www.KrisSwiatochoMinistries.org
Kathy and I have had the pleasure of working with Kris of The Single Network Ministries at several events over the past three years. We always look forward to her insight and creative ways to connect with her audience sharing the Word of God with encouragement, humor and just being real. You will want to catch her for sure the next time she is in your area. Her sense of humor is a hoot and infectious.
—Kathy and Klay Watson,  Dating His Way Ministries

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