This morning as I turned on the news I was reminded of the utter turmoil in the world. Violent acts of hatred were being reported and it made my heart ache. Unfortunately that anger and hatred is not only a news story, it can be closer to home. I turned off the news to speak with an individual who told me of repeated abuse in their home. That conversation was quickly followed by another disturbing and heartbreaking call, and while on the phone with that individual a text came in from a colleague sharing how difficult things had become in their context. This was all before 11 am!

Awful things all around us…how do we show grace, love and compassion when everywhere we turn we see or experience the exact opposite?

Mahatma Gandhi is credited in saying, “be the change you want to see”. The reality is, Gandhi never actually said that, though I don’t think he would disagree. What Gandhi actually said was much more profound:

“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi

I love that: “As we change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.” But we know changing ourselves is hard, particularly with the distractions the world throws our way. How can we change ourselves, much less the world?

In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises to give us, as he promised his disciples, the power to do it. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” When we ask Jesus into our lives, we receive His power and His mission.

Jesus believes we can be part of changing the world. I believe it, do you? We must believe it. As we show grace, love and compassion to those who don’t show it or even deserve it, things will change. The world can change.

As we are faithful to Jesus, God will change our world — one step and one person at a time. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, God will use each of us. Be ready to change the world!