This morning many of us went to our bathroom sink. Like every morning we take the toothbrush in one hand and toothpaste in the other and align the tube with the head of the toothbrush and squeeze. As we watch the toothpaste come out of the tube we fully expect our toothpaste to match the flavor that is written on the label. Spearmint, peppermint, bubble gum, and be an acceptable color.

Imagine one morning you are in a hurry and you rush in to brush and you squeeze the tube with more force. A bit harder. Or you are trying to get the last bit out and you roll it up and lay it on the sink and press it like a pancake... and out comes car grease. Yes brown, slippery car grease. Looking at the tube some would think, what went wrong with this? I was brushing my teeth with this? Can't trust this brand any longer. This is not what it says it is.

In these last days every Christ following believer will be tested. From our marriages to our parent child relationships, to our work relationships, casual merchant exchanges to our political associations. The pressure will come. The squeeze will be put on each one when you are not expecting it. You will be squeezed when you are alone. Your spouse, son, daughter will squeeze you. Your coworker, store clerk will press your buttons. The protester in a rage will smack you. The antagonist will antagonize. All this to help you see one thing about yourself: when I am squeezed what comes out?

Love? Mercy? Compassion?

The scripture exhorts us when it says: 'you will know them by the love...'. This is something taught by the Holy Spirit in the quiet and lived out in the public.

Beloved we will be squeezed. Practice your love with loved ones, practice your love with people in your church, so when the world squeezes you violently they get what your label reads...JESUS. To God Be the glory.