“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good.”
The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version, 3 Jn 11.
The season of Easter offers the people of God a unique perspective on the world and those things with which the world concerns itself. Easter reminds us that above all else, God did affirm God’s love for humanity even while humanity was shouting “Crucify!” In the midst of evil forces, cruelty, and false accusations, Jesus quietly mouthed the words, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Granted, we’re not Jesus, however we have been called to follow his way of being in the world.
In recent years, it seems that elections have not brought out the best in people. While we do teach that “good government” is a gift from God, we have ever widening opinions about what that looks like. Perhaps the church could boldly remind people that diversity is good, contrasting opinions help people focus on their values, and that it’s OK and civil to have differing opinions. Most of us can probably remember lively conversations growing up that focused on politics and leadership differences. The good news is that we are still here and together we may help redirect attention on what unites us. Our common vision of well being for all people helps drive our compassion and drive for social justice. We will never agree completely with all people on certain issues and yet we have a system in place to help direct majority consensus.
I mentioned during our Lenten Wednesdays that resurrection is predicated on death. New life and a new attitude toward the common good can rise out of the death of fear, suspicions, and intolerance. In Luther’s Small Catechism we read, “The Eighth Commandment; You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we do not tell lies about our neighbors, betray or slander them, or destroy their reputations. Instead we are to come to their defense, speak well of them, and interpret everything they do in the best possible light.” (emphasis my own)
This is all to say that loving all people is challenging at best. None of us will ever perfectly live it out. However, we ARE Easter people, called to live in the light and love of God as revealed to all of us in Christ Jesus. Let us always remember who we are in light of every conversation.
Peace to you all,
Pastor Ernie +