To say that there is a lot of racial tension in our nation would be a great understatement. From questionable use of deadly force by police to the assassinations of police officers, the violence is appalling.

Neither side seems to want to listen to the other. When one group says, “Black Lives Matter”, the others seem to take it that they mean that only black lives matter. When they reply with the statement, “All Lives Matter”, some perceive that to imply that some lives matter more than others. It seems that you can’t make a statement proclaiming the importance of anyone’s life without incurring the wrath of some group or individual.

We need to listen to each other. Let’s stop thinking the worst of others and start seeking to understand.

We need to listen to God. Every single person on earth has been created in God’s image, and therefore has inherent value. God sent his Son Jesus to die so that every single person could believe in him could be saved.

Lives matter. God loves police officers who fear for their lives every time they make a traffic stop. God loves young men who are understandably apprehensive when they are pulled over for “driving while black”. God loves everyone, therefore lives matter. Every single one.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”—John 3:16.