Be Swift to Love

In the legendary “Cheers” sitcom of the 1980s, there is an episode where Norm (played by George Wendt) walks into the bar and is greeted by the always cheerful Woody Harrelson. From behind the bar Woody asks, “How’s it going Mr. Peterson?” Norm, trudging along to his usual barstool answers cynically, “It’s a dog eat dog world, Woody, and I’m wearing Milk Bone underwear.”

It’s a tough world out there – for everybody – not just Norm. Why do we find it so easy, in this “dog eat dog world,” just to pile on? Why can’t we find a way to lighten our neighbor’s load? Can we make it easier on our fellow travelers instead of hindering them?

The writer of the book of Hebrews said it like this: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” This is a call for…