KEISHA THOMAS: A LOVE THAT STOOD IN THE MIDST OF VIOLENCE
At times in this fallen world, darkness surges forward with a kind of restless force, stirring the hearts of men into heat and agitation, until restraint gives way and wrath seems to seize the moment, pressing in on every side. Yet even there, the grace of God may break forth as a sudden light, confounding the works of the flesh and bearing witness to a higher law written upon the heart. Such a moment was seen in the life of Keisha Thomas, when, in the midst of rage, she chose mercy; when, surrounded by blows, she became a shield.
For what is the religion of Jesus Christ if it does not conquer the very spirit of vengeance? The Word declares that though we were once hateful and hating one another, yet the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared (Titus 3:3-4).
This love is not a notion only, nor a fair profession upon the lips, but a living principle, constraining the soul to act contrary to nature. When others cried out for justice mingled with fury, she answered with a compassion that seemed altogether unreasonable to the natural man. Yet herein is the perfection of love, that it seeks not its own, is not provoked, and thinks no evil (1 Corinthians 13:5).
Consider the scene: a man, despised for his association with hatred and the KKK, fallen beneath the blows of many, his life in peril. Who would interpose? Who would hazard themselves for one so unworthy? But the Gospel does not inquire first into the worthiness of its object. It beholds a soul, and that is enough.
Did not our Lord die for the ungodly (Romans 5:6)? Did He not pray for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34)? Thus, in that hour, without sermon or proclamation, this young woman bore a testimony more powerful than many words, fulfilling in deed what is written: do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
This is the very temper which marks the children of God. It is easy to love those who love us, and to defend those who stand on our side; even sinners do the same (Matthew 5:46). But to love where there is enmity, to protect where there is hatred, this is the work of divine grace. Here is the evidence of a heart renewed, a will surrendered, and affections purified. For perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and where fear is gone, boldness rises—not the boldness of pride, but of holy love.
Let none suppose that such love weakens the cause of righteousness. On the contrary, it establishes it. For wrath does not work the righteousness of God (James 1:20), nor can violence bring forth peace. The kingdom of Christ is not advanced by the sword of man, but by the Spirit of God, who subdues hearts and transforms enemies into neighbors. In that moment of self-forgetting mercy, there was a victory more profound than any triumph of force.
O that this mind were in us all! That we might not only profess Christ, but walk as He walked (1 John 2:6); that in the hour of provocation we might remember His cross, and in the face of hatred we might reveal His love. For the world is not changed by louder arguments, but by holier lives. And when such love is seen, it cannot be easily gainsaid, for it bears the unmistakable mark of heaven itself.
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O Lord of all grace, who loved us when we were yet sinners, write this law of love upon our hearts. Teach us to overcome evil with good, to bless those who curse, and to show mercy without partiality. Amen.
BDD
