Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. – I John 4:20
This morning some are rejoicing, and some are lamenting a jury’s verdict. But on Sunday we gather at a table with those who disagree with us to break bread together. The cup that we share is the cup of love, poured out for us by a God who transcends all our differences. While the headlines swirl with stories of hatred, we are called by God to reveal the light of holy love. It isn’t easy.
I wish more folks knew about you. I wish they knew that there is a church that welcomes everyone – gay or straight, black or white, republican or democrat, old or young, rich or poor, healthy or falling apart, and celebrates that God created you in love. I think sometimes you and I take for granted this miraculous place we share called church, a place that dares to live out grace instead of sentencing others to harsh judgment.
After you leave on Sunday, our clergy and staff scurry about through the week. Rev. Pam Bauer Nolan goes to retirement homes to serve tea and cookies with our revered senior adults who very often feel disenfranchised and forgotten. She serves up grace. Rachel, our wedding coordinator, reaches out to a bride and groom who must postpone their long-awaited wedding because of a tragic unexpected death. She offers mercy. Corey Scott meets with a gay couple who have felt rejected by Christian parents who believe that God condemns God’s own children. She embraces them with the good news of God’s love and affirmation.
The brand of Christianity which you have adopted as God’s truth, one that prizes grace over judgment and love over rigid rule-following can feel rare. You and I might take it for granted but the world still hungers for the good news that God’s love wins. I was meeting with a woman who had never attended our church and was struggling with her spiritual life. At the end of our meeting she asked. “Can I give you a hug?”. I said “sure”. But I realized this hug was really meant for you. Because my voice is simply a reflection of you as a congregation. You, as a church, embody the power of God’s miraculous love.
“Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.” – I John 4:12
With love and gratitude,
Carla