ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 20, 2023
Toward the end of Paul’s First Letter to the Church in Corinth, he writes: “Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (16:13-14). I find it interesting how Paul connects standing firm, being courageous, and being strong to doing all things in love. You would think that doing everything in love would only create friends, happiness, and good vibes. Of course, Jesus is the one who disproves that connection. But what appears to happen is that those who live in love, and so generously share love, find great strength through that love. People who feel loved, who feel embraced by this love simply for who they are, are much more confident and bold in their capacity to share that love. I think part of our problem (emphasizing the word ‘part’) is that too many people feel insecure about their value and belovedness in this world, and from that place of insecurity, love becomes a commodity in short supply. Scarcity is never a healthy starting place for anyone, and a sense of scarcity when it comes to love creates a multitude of problems.
As I ask for strength and courage, O Lord, I realize I’m asking for a new infusion of your love. My faith says it is given without condition and in immeasurable abundance, so today I pray for this gift to take hold in my life. With it comes strength and courage for the good work of living this love, even when it is dismissed or seen as a threat. Amen.
