Rev. Darryl Totty, superintendent of the Greater Detroit District, reflects on the message of love that Martin Luther King, Jr. embodied, which can also be ours today.
DARRYL TOTTY
Superintendent, Greater Detroit District
January is a special time of year for The United Methodist Church, as we celebrate one of the six churchwide Special Sundays known as Human Relations Day. The initiative encourages generosity and emphasizes Jesus’ teachings on how to love others. Additionally, it highlights the importance of our relationships with one another in transforming the world.
As a clergyperson with almost thirty years of service, I am encouraged by how people across The United Methodist Church observe this Sunday just before the holiday in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King’s life, legacy, and message of love for one another powerfully embody the essence of the gospel. His teachings reflect Jesus’ call to humanity to embrace “a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other” (John 13:34, CEB). The commandment directs us to embrace compassion and understanding in our interactions with each other. Dr. King’s commitment to justice and equality inspires us to live in a world where love overcomes hate and unity wins over division.
In his 1963 book Strength to Love, Dr. King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” He goes on to say, “We must in strength and humility meet hate with love.”
Love is an awesome force that humanity can use to confront the many challenges and adversities in the world. Love serves as a means to work against the influences that seek to divide people, undermine community, and cause harm. By embodying love in action, humanity strives to foster unity, healing, and restoration in a world often marked by conflict and despair. Scripture tells us, “We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:13, CEB).
God calls humanity to practice compassion, kindness, and care, using our words as instruments of hope. By following God’s voice, everyone can embody the change we want to see and uplift humanity, inspiring transformation in ourselves and others.
God can be heard in many ways, including through visions, dreams, the Holy Spirit, and even music. For example, on a chilly Sunday morning in December 2024, while listening to NPR Music, I discovered jazz pianist, songwriter, and singer Jarrod Lawson. At that moment, my heart felt “strangely warmed.” If you have an extra minute today, listen to Jarrod’s representation of a quote famously attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Click this link and enjoy his song, “Be the Change.”
By the way, you don’t have to wait until a churchwide Special Sunday arrives to support one of the many ministries that help people in crisis or poverty. Your offering for Human Relations Day supports our ministries financially and strengthens our commitment to love one another.
Last Updated on January 28, 2025