CIU President gives Urban League spiritual charge on Martin Luther King Day

Columbia International University President Dr. Mark A. Smith gave the spiritual charge for the Columbia Urban League’s “Keeping the Legacy Alive” celebration on Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Day.

Drawing from his Appalachian background and a family heritage of how God changed the hearts of many of his family members, Smith said that, “Jesus came in and the love of God was shed abroad in the hearts until almost every family member serves instead of hates, gives instead of takes. Yes, Jesus passed by.”

“South Carolina, listen up,” Smith continued, “we’ve lost our way. Dr. King preached the love of Jesus Christ. He preached love and reconciliation. Our spiritual charge is before us. We can’t legislate love. We can’t make enough laws to stop hate. Our world must meet the Giver of love. And John 3:16 reminds us of that love. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

Hear the spiritual charge in its entirety on Vimeo.

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