In 1949 the musical “South Pacific” hit Broadway like a tropical storm.  Based on Michener’s “Tales of the South Pacific,” it’s the only musical to win Tony’s for all four acting leads, and it won best musical.  It is about a nurse named Nellie during World War II, in a Pacific Island, who falls in love with Emile, a Frenchman; but who rejects him when she discovers he has two children of mixed race.  She discusses this with Lieutenant Cable who wants to marry a Tonkinese woman.  In an ode against prejudice, he sings:

You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear,

You’ve got to be taught from year to year,

It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear

You’ve got to be carefully taught.

This is true!  Children of various races will play together without any sense of prejudice.

However, it’s also true that we must be taught to love.  On our own, we are a selfish lot.  Babies cry for their parents in the night without any concern about waking them up!  We have to be taught to consider others, to care for others and to lose our selfishness.

Sunday I’m preaching on “Learn to Love,” from 3 John.  We’ll look at, “Stay in Contact with Those You Love,” verse 1; “Pray for Those You Love,” verse 2; and “Love Discreetly,” verses 3-15.  Please come Sunday and help us learn from Jesus’ Beloved Disciple, how to love.

Love,

Jim Meek