A Call for Love and Compassion

I’ve spent time thinking, praying, observing, and listening to others about the state of our world—and particularly the soul of our nation. After all of this, one truth continues to rise to the surface:

America is an idea.

We weren’t founded on perfect people or flawless systems. We were founded on a vision—a vision where freedom, opportunity, and human dignity were worth building a country around. At our best, America has been a land of hope, growth, and possibility for those seeking a better life.

But it is very different now. I scroll through headlines, watch reports, and hear stories:

• Wars rage and rumors spread.
• Student visas are revoked.
• Tariffs deepen global divisions.
• Refugees and immigrants are left in limbo.
• Hatred is normalized and compassion is mocked.

And my heart breaks.

Not just because of the headlines—but because behind every story is a real person. A real family. A real soul.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Today, far too many are hurting. And far too many of us forget that we all come from somewhere else—immigrants, settlers, pilgrims, seekers. We forget our roots. We forget our shared humanity. We forget that before we were citizens of a country, we were created in the image of God.

Why is this happening?

In one word: Fear.

Fear of those who look different.

Fear of cultures we don’t understand.

Fear of being wrong.

Fear that someone else’s truth might call ours into question.

Fear of change.

Fear that loving someone might cost us something.

Fear, when left unchecked, leads us away from God’s heart.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” — 1 John 4:18

Fear is what turns neighbors into enemies.

Fear is what keeps us silent when we should speak.

Fear is what fuels hate, prejudice, and pride.

And here’s the hard truth: Fear can turn a nation of hope into a land of hostility.

So what do we do?

We repent.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

We don’t need louder arguments.

We need broken hearts before a holy God.

We need courage—not to fight back, but to love boldly.

We need the humility to ask Jesus to make us more like Him.

It’s time to stop standing on the sidelines.

It’s time to stop letting fear write our stories.

It’s time to show the world what real love looks like.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

Let us be brave enough to value every life.

Let us be honest enough to admit where we’ve failed.

Let us be bold enough to repent and start again.

A Prayer of Confession and Repentance

Gracious and Holy God,

We come before You with heavy hearts, burdened by what we see in the world around us. Forgive us, Lord, for the fear we have let rule our hearts. Forgive us for the hatred we’ve allowed to fester, for the silence we’ve kept when we should have spoken, and for the pride that has blinded us to Your truth.

We confess that we’ve made idols out of politics, power, and personal comfort. We have turned away from Your ways and trusted in our own. We have failed to love our neighbors as ourselves. We have forgotten that every person we meet is made in Your image.

God, we repent. We turn away from fear and toward faith.

We turn away from hate and toward hope.

We turn away from sin and toward Your mercy.

Come, Holy Spirit. Heal our land. Heal our hearts.

Help us to live with love, walk with humility, and serve with courage.

Make us more like Jesus.

Make our nation more like the kingdom of God.

In the name of Christ our Savior, we pray.

Amen.

Let this be more than just a blog post. Let it be a call to action, to humility, and to love. Because the world doesn’t need more fear—it needs the church to rise up in grace and truth.