“Get Together” was a popular song in 1967 by the Youngbloods. I was not alive when the song was released, but it was a song I played frequently learning how to play guitar when I was younger. The song called for all of us to come together and “try to love one another right now.” It was a song that came out in the Vietnam War era and during somewhat of a hippie revolution, but perhaps the words belong to no real moment in time. They are simply the commands of Jesus.

Sometimes we minimize the power of love by cute pop songs and slogans that mean little without action. However, we can never underestimate the power of love. Love can tear down barriers between people, change tears to laughter, and mend relationships torn apart by sin.

No option exists for disciples of Jesus Christ to not love others. Not only are we commanded to do so, but love is a gift we must pass on freely. If we give of our time, talent, and treasure, but choose not to love, we cannot claim to be truly committed disciples and good stewards. As this Easter season draws ever closer to an end, we must allow our love to bear witness to the source of all love, the Risen Jesus. This is our calling until, as the words of the Youngbloods’ song states, “the one who left us here returns for us at last.”

-Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS