03-26-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
​March 26, 2023
One of the great questions with which Christians find themselves struggling is, "What does unconditional love look like in real-life situations?" I am thinking specifically when someone’s actions are unhealthy, destructive, or even abusive. Can love also include boundaries? Is it okay to say, "I love you, and I am not going to allow you to hurt me anymore"? Are there moments when choosing to love and protect one person will have others feeling as if you are not showing love to them? It is complicated! This is only one of the reasons it is important to be in a faith community where we have people who will talk with us and even challenge us on the topic of Putting Love First In All Things. It is good to have an honest friend who can say to you, "You can love someone and still tell that person, ‘No!’" I even had someone say to me one time, "I can’t yet show the love of Jesus to Person A, but maybe you can show that love right now." I hope to see you in worship today! Together, we can continue to lean into this amazing calling of Putting Love First In All Things.

Continue to help me, O Spirit of Life and Love, navigate the depth and complexity and messiness of Putting Love First In All Things. Amen.