This past weekend the country celebrated Presidents Day in honor of those who have successfully completed the election cycle and taken the oath of office. As the highest office in this country, the presidency is treated with reverence and awe. The role and responsibility should never be taken lightly. God requires much of anyone in leadership.
That knowledge that God requires a higher level of commitment and dedication from leaders is what shaped the character of Bishop Richard Allen. Bishop Allen chose to be a leader and remove himself and others from St. George’s Episcopal Church when racial discrimination prevented a group of African Americans from continuing to pray in peace at the altar. Because of the actions of Bishop Allen, the African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded.
This past weekend we also celebrated Bishop Allen’s birthday, February 14. He sacrificed comfort to show that all people must be treated with dignity. Bishop Allen showed courage and dependence on God to keep him safe as he ministered and provided medical assistance to those in Philadelphia suffering in the Yellow Fever epidemic. Bishop Allen knew that to be a leader meant sacrifice and being a role model for how God wants us to love each other.
Choose love this year. This February, rather than celebrate cupid, celebrate the best kind of love that we know, God’s agape love. Agape love knows no boundary, keeps no score of wrong doing, and puts no conditions on receiving love. Agape love is perfect. God’s agape love for us is meant to share with each other. Love is not love unless shared with or showered on someone. When you choose God’s love expect to be soaked to the bone by a deep, warm, all-encompassing love.
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