Scripture: 1st Corinthians 16:14
Everything should be done in love.
Thought for the Day: On Sunday, I quoted Bob Goff who wrote:
When you feel like you can’t
explain your faith,
go love someone —
and love will be the explanation.
Those words challenge me, for I consider myself to be an amateur, yet savvy theologian and capable of presenting a good argument. I can ramble with the best of them on a host of topics, and even make a few good points along the way. But what happens when I am appalled at the rhetoric of someone in the news or on Facebook. They defend something that is simply indefensible and inexcusable. My blood pressure rises, and I feel confident in my capacity to unleash a well structured argument on why their words not only break the heart of God, but must be condemned for the sake of humanity.
Here’s the thing – I doubt my breathtaking command of the Christian message will change anything. In fact, it might just push the other further into his/her ideological corner. At the end of the day, only love will change hearts; only changed hearts will change the world. And maybe by loving someone whose comments make my blood boil, I will be reminded of my absolute dependence upon that love as well. Maybe there is something within me that needs redeeming as well.
Prayer: Where can I love someone, Lord? Where can I express words of grace toward someone whose ideas appear to undermine the most basic teachings of Jesus? Where, I ask? And maybe you will show me. Amen.
