A few weeks ago, I used my newsletter space to lament the presence of so\u00a0much anger in the world, and a ruminated on some of the reasons why it is\u00a0so prevalent.<\/p>\n
The situation hasn\u2019t changed; if anything it\u2019s gotten worse.<\/p>\n
Earlier this week I came across a video on social media. It showed footage\u00a0of people protesting the shootings in our country that have deepened racial\u00a0divides. Across the street from these people was a group protesting groups\u00a0protesting police shootings. Someone had the idea to get leaders from\u00a0both protests to meet in the middle of the street. What could have been a\u00a0contentious, violent meeting ended in hugs and celebration. The groups\u00a0came together.<\/p>\n
This is how we heal.<\/p>\n
This Sunday I am continuing my study of 1 John. In this week\u2019s passage,\u00a0we are encouraged to love one another, and simply with words. We are\u00a0called to love with action.<\/p>\n
I love words. Words and the writing thereof are central to my work as a\u00a0minister. But words only go so far. They must be backed by action. If we\u00a0are to offer an antidote to the hate and foment in the world, it begins with\u00a0more than words. It happens when words are backed up by action.<\/p>\n
In James 2:14-17, we read these words,<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat good is it, my brothers, if\u00a0someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save\u00a0him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and\u00a0one of you says to them, \u201cGo in peace, be warmed and filled,\u201d without giving them the things needed for the body, what good[a] is that? So also\u00a0faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n If we really want to see this world change, then we must love in word and\u00a0in deed.<\/p>\n Blessings,<\/p>\n Pastor John<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This is how we heal. Continue reading