Topic of Choice 3 "Brother" by The Brilliance

Topic of Choice 3: "Brother" by The Brilliance
November 24, 2017

Each day we are bombarded with upsetting news. The world is burning---violent deaths fills headlines, hateful speech fill the air, sickness and poverty run rampant throughout the world. I am personally appalled by this darkness and by the words and actions of others. There is constant division in every area society (religion, politics, &  worldviews). I am a passionate person and so when I see actions deemed as unjust, I become angry (sometimes righteously) and then unrighteous bitterness grows inside of me. As a follower of Jesus Christ I believe this bitterness is wrong.

There has been one song in particular that has reminded me that I need to look at people as humans rather than just their political or personal beliefs. This song is called “Brother” by a band called The Brilliance. The lyrics are as follows:
“When I look into the face
Of my enemy
I see my brother
I see my brother

When I look into the face
Of my enemy
I see my brother
I see my brother

Forgiveness is the garment
Of our courage
The power to make the peace
We long to know
Open up our eyes
To see the wounds that bind
All of humankind
May our shutter hearts
Greet the dawn of life
With charity and love”
I have felt convicted listening to this song numerous times. This song does not reflect the spirit of society today. Most of us cry out about love, but this love only extends to those that agree with us. I respect this song because it reminds listeners that even our enemies are humans. The lyrics portray forgiveness as courageous, and it identifies peace as powerful.


It is difficult for me to look at the person or people in front of me and view them as humans rather than just ideas. Similar to how we discussed in class, it is easy for me to have preconceived notions of another person and view them according to those notions. The challenge for me is to view people with fresh eyes---to see them as as humans and as brothers and sisters. I am practicing implementing this in my close relationships as well as my perspective of groups of people who have different worldviews than me. I desire to see this spirit of forgiveness, charity, love, and peace convicts the hearts of others as well.

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