John 13:34-35Today's discussion question: How do our horizontal relationships affect our vertical?
(I apologize for mixing up yesterday & today's readings.)
Jesus plainly states that everyone will know we are his disciples if we love one another. He does not say they will know by the crosses we wear around our necks. He does not say by our picket signs in front of abortion clinics. He does not say by our regular attendance in worship services. He does not say by the Christian radio station playing softly in our workstation. He does not say by our church taking the right stand on women's roles. He does not say by the charitable contribution line on our form 1040. He does not say by the brilliance of our PowerPoint presentations. He does not say by the numbers who attend on Easter Sunday, how big our building gets, or the number of social service ministries we operate. He says, everyone will know we are his disciples, IF we love one another.
Every item in that lengthy list above can be done with or without love. Tolerance is not love. Polite greetings do not demonstrate love. Avoiding conflict with frustrating people who attend worship with us will never substitute for love. Consider this paraphrasing of 1 Corinthians 13.
PeopleWhoLove do not lose their cool when distracted neighbors are accidentally rude. PeopleWhoLove take time to help a senior citizen in the grocery store. PeopleWhoLove choose to be satisfied with enough when a neighbor has more. PeopleWhoLove do not honor themselves to get special treatment from others. PeopleWhoLove hold their opinions lightly and express them gently. PeopleWhoLove defend the dignity of others, they trust God to meet their needs rather than holding on to control, they resolve conflicts early and gently to avoid a build-up of tension, they let others "make mistakes" along the way because they value ongoing relationship over strict orthodoxy. PeopleWhoLove do not enjoy pointing out sin but enthusiastically celebrate every step that draws someone closer to the true character of God. PeopleWhoLove always protect and avoid wounding, always trust and avoid judging, always hope and avoid discouragement, and always persevere believing the ultimate victory is God's. PeopleWhoLove win.
