With Malice Toward None

Nº 184 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - February 8, 2022

Though we cannot think alike may we not love alike? - John Wesley

This week we commemorate the 213th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, seen by many as the United States’ greatest president. I’ve been reading Ronald C. White Jr.’s biography A. Lincoln which details the amazing life of the 16th leader of our country.

One theme recurring throughout Lincoln’s life was his ability to hold strong opinions and win debates yet remain objective and conciliatory. He attacked ideas much more than people. White quotes Lincoln as saying, “If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.” (p. 96)

Believing the right things is critical; we must never compromise the truth of God’s Word. Lincoln held his beliefs about slavery with strength and passion. But while reading Lincoln’s words I wondered, has the Church in America lost ground because of a poor message – or poor messengers? Are we more concerned with winning arguments or loving people?

Jesus – long before Lincoln – provided the simple yet powerful observation: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) Like Lincoln, we must commit deeply to the things that matter. God’s Word and people are eternal. They are both worthy of our love and affection.

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc