I am a fan and admirer of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. His sermons and speeches arouse hope and a passion for justice in my heart. But honestly, there is one quotation of his that just bugs the heck out of me.
The quote is: “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”
Yes… it is a powerful quote.
Yes, it hits the proverbial nail on the head.
Yes, it speaks Truth with a capital “T” and shines a righteous light squarely where it needs to shine.
So what’s my problem with it?
Actually, I love this quote. But I say that it bugs me because it convicts me and makes me squirm in my seat every time I hear it.
This quote throws cold water on my knee-jerk impulse to post negative, snarky Facebook comments about national and world events.
It makes me look into the mirror and ask, “What are YOU doing to spread actual, tangible love in the world?”
I hear the question… I ponder my answer… and I fall silent. Because I am not sure I have an answer.
But I know I have to keep seeking one. Actually, we ALL do.
Our future probably depends on it.
Russellings of the Spirit 
Oh I like this. You will find your métier yet.
Thanks! Except I don’t know what a “metier” is. I’m sure it is good.
I’m tempted to tell that when your metier bites your ankle you’ll recognize it.
I loved this article and the twist that you took with your thinking. Responding to hate with love is one of the hardest things to do. I agree with you, “our future probably depends on it”!
Thank you very much. I keep racking my brain to figure out what that might look like and am open to any and all ideas.
Reblogged this on Wibble and commented:
Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.
Thought provoking!!
I agree, and we all have to keep trying, for if not love, what do we allow in its place.
I came via Pendantry’s reblog of your post..
Thank you! The more of us conspiring to spread love the better!
Oh I so agree.. 🙂 Have a beautiful day 🙂
I agree. It is hard sometimes especially when people post mean spirited and hateful comments to my blog. But, as hard as it is before I respond I ask myself, “What do I want people to think about me if they stumble upon my blog? Will they see me being as stupid and ignorant as they person I am responding to, or as a bigger person with a Christ-like spirit and attitude?”