Do you remember this day 18 years ago? Of course you’ll remember the attacks; the news coverage of the pentagon and Twin Towers. But do you remember how the rest of the day went? Hundreds of rescue workers risked, and in some cases sacrificed, their lives searching for survivors. Thousands of people donated blood for the victims. Total strangers showed kindness and compassion to each other. Money and supplies poured into ground zero. For a moment we weren’t selfish. We weren’t divided. Petty differences were not as important as loving and supporting each other.

Why does it take a major catastrophe for us to be the image of Christ?

At all times we are supposed to be leading the charge in love. It doesn’t matter who it is, where they are from, or what they have done. It doesn’t matter what their political affiliation is, if they worship the God or some other god, if they are gay, if they are fun to be around or if they are bitter,…whatever or whoever they may be, we are supposed to love them even though it hurts because we are made in the image of God, God is Love, and God loves even though it hurts (Gen 1:27, 1 John 4:8, John 15:13).

Hopefully all people today will lay aside their petty differences and love and support each other. Today many will feel a sense of patriotism. They will fly our flag, play our anthem, and remember those who have fallen in the attacks and in the pursuit of freedom. But remember that “our citizenship is in Heaven” (Phil 3:20) and we are to lay aside our petty differences everyday and be the love of Christ to everyone around us.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another…” (Romans 12:15-16)