We have a couple in our Sunday School class who we pray for regularly, but they do not get to attend very often due to health problems. We also pray for them because they have a son who is estranged, and they have not seen him in several years. You can imagine how trying this would be if you were in the same situation.

Janis and I have developed the habit of going to our local Hardee’s restaurant on Saturday mornings to get a couple of their famous biscuits and gravy, a couple of sausage and egg biscuits, and a couple of cinnamon rolls, four meals for less than $20.

          A few weeks ago, I was there getting the “usual” when this man for whom we have been praying walked in. He was also there to get breakfast for him and his wife. We greeted each other fondly, as we have a real love for each other. As I was about ready to leave, I told the cashier that I wanted to pay for their food as well. My friend objected, but I would have none of it, as being able to buy their breakfast, especially under the circumstances, was truly a wonderful blessing. Later, as I thought about this experience, I realized that the principle involved in this simple action held the key to most of our nation’s social, moral and ethical problems.

          Later, as I was thinking about what had transpired, I recalled a very important verse of scripture, found in John 13:35 which follows: “That ye shall know that you are my disciples, that ye have love for one another.” While you may disagree or just smile at what I am going to say, this is a big part of the solution to our crime problems, moral and ethical problems, rancor and discord in our nation’s capital, and the sad situation in too many of our nation’s homes, the bedrock of our society. If you are a regular reader of my column, you may recall the column I did some time back about our new book, “Keep Your Fork.”

          Here is the simple truth: People who have a born-again relationship with Jesus Christ are not going to murder you, conduct a mass shooting, steal from you, or talk bad about you behind your back. No, true spirit-filled Christians will love you, help you and always have your best interests at heart. As I write this column, there are hundreds of Christians in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and other places in the Southeastern part of our country, at their own expense, who are helping hurting people due to Hurricane Milton.

From my perspective, as a sinner who has been saved by God’s amazing grace, my life has never been the same since I was saved on February 26, 1984. Before that day I was a miserable failure. My prayer is that everyone who reads this column either knows Jesus as their Lord and Savior or will come to know Him soon. As I am sure you know, our nation is hurting just now, and Janis and I are truly concerned about the kind of nation we will be leaving our children and grandchildren. America is worth saving and we can all be a part of that.

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(Jim Davidson is an author, syndicated columnist, and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. For a personalized copy of “Keep Your Fork” send $25 (includes P&H & TAX) to Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Dr. Conway, AR 72034)