Evil seems all-powerful and triumphant sometimes. Some people think that they can do whatever they want with no regard for the rights or lives of others. Just read the newspaper! King Ahab and his wife Jezebel thought that they were above laws and rules - they murdered Naboth to obtain his vineyard. But as the old saying goes, 'What goes around, comes around!' Eventually the evil that people do comes back on their own heads. Elijah pronounced a solemn sentence of death and destruction on both Ahab and Jezebel in God's name. Only Ahab's sincere repentance delayed the sentence. It is a moral universe - we should not give in to despair in the face of the world's evil.

There is only one way we can be recognized as a true child of God - by the way in which we love. Jesus insisted that we go beyond human ways of loving, which are self-seeking and looking for something in return. His challenge: love the undeserving and unlovable; love those who mistreat and persecute you; love those who refuse to love you in return. Do not hate or have no enemies. Loving does not necessarily mean liking - it means do not bear grudges, be kind to all, and be concerned for their well-being and happiness. God loves without conditions and limits, therefore set no limits or conditions to your love. Do this and you will be like God and others will recognize that you are truly different. Try it - you will be surprised!