10-20-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 20, 2023
“Do you think God loves...?" It might surprise you, but I get that question a lot. After the “…,” there are many different groups or individuals that might be referenced, but the question is almost always asked with great sincerity, often emerging from a discussion they had with someone who seemed very adamant that a certain person or group was outside of God’s love. Or, in a recent case, it was about a daughter who was divorced. Clearly, there was great pain and a bit of trepidation in asking the question, “Does God love...?" I don’t pretend to have an answer to every theological question that I am asked, and even some of the answers I have might be wrong. I’m willing to name that in writing. At the same time, the preponderance of scripture seems to point to an easy answer to that question. The answer is YES. You’re thinking to yourself, “But he didn’t name the person or group.” I know! That’s sort of the point. God makes it simple, not leaving us to navigate the challenges of determining a person’s value or goodness or worthiness. It doesn’t matter who or what follows “...?" the answer is always YES.

We so often complicate the simplicity of faith and oversimplify its complexity. Gracious God, allow me to let go of what isn’t mine to determine and to embrace the challenging tasks you have put before me. In faith, I believe you love everyone and have called me to do the same. This I can embrace, yet I recognize that believing something and living into it are two very different things. So help me! Amen.