A few weeks ago, I used my newsletter space to lament the presence of so much anger in the world, and a ruminated on some of the reasons why it is so prevalent.
The situation hasn’t changed; if anything it’s gotten worse.
Earlier this week I came across a video on social media. It showed footage of people protesting the shootings in our country that have deepened racial divides. Across the street from these people was a group protesting groups protesting police shootings. Someone had the idea to get leaders from both protests to meet in the middle of the street. What could have been a contentious, violent meeting ended in hugs and celebration. The groups came together.
This is how we heal.
This Sunday I am continuing my study of 1 John. In this week’s passage, we are encouraged to love one another, and simply with words. We are called to love with action.
I love words. Words and the writing thereof are central to my work as a minister. But words only go so far. They must be backed by action. If we are to offer an antidote to the hate and foment in the world, it begins with more than words. It happens when words are backed up by action.
In James 2:14-17, we read these words,
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good[a] is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
If we really want to see this world change, then we must love in word and in deed.
Blessings,
Pastor John
