(originally published, June 23, 2014)
Paul ends his letter to the church in Corinth with a blessing: “The amazing grace of Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God and the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.”
The first word on Paul’s list, grace, implies that God loves all people. To make sure we get it he adds a word about God’s extravagant love. Paul is painting with a broad brush here, so it is up to you and me to fill in the details. If grace is true, if God is love, if we are friends of the Holy Spirit, how does that affect our lives? How does this affect what you believe?
I ask these things because our beliefs matter. If we say that grace is at the center of who we are and how we understand God, then that grace will shape the way we live. If we claim to believe that God loves every person, then our lives will reflect that belief. The concept is pretty clear but, as you surely know, the practice of it is rarely easy.
I remember preaching a sermon about this idea a few years ago. I recited St. Francis’ little proverb, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” I quoted Fred Craddock who says that the work of the Christian community is to help one another live graciously. Later that afternoon I fell asleep on the couch watching golf. (Televised golf is a gift sent by God to help preachers nap on Sunday afternoons.) My kids were playing ping pong down in the basement. They got loud. They were having a great time. But I was worn out. And tired. And cranky. I went to the stairs leading down to the basement and yelled at them, “Be QUIET! I have had a long day. I have another event tonight. Be quiet.” I was angry. They got very quiet. Then one of them came upstairs. He said, “Nice sermon today. What was it about? Being kind and gracious?”
Ouch.
This love and grace stuff ain’t easy! The idea that God loves everyone and expects us to treat the world the same way is hard to put into practice. But in the long run it is the only way to live.
Grace and peace to you,
-Glen
