Loving One Another in a Hate-Filled World

I am writing this the day after members of Dallas police department were ambushed and killed in the streets.  I have read people’s blogs and posts regarding this issue. Some say these attacks are symptomatic of the deeply embedded racism in our country. Others say it is the natural consequence of years of lack of respect, or even rejection, of authority, tracing its roots all the way back to the 60’s. Still others say it is the result of our narcissistic society, the outgrowth of too many reality shows about people who have nothing to contribute to society other than being famous for being famous.

I wish to put forth a more accurate scenario. Our present trouble is the result of sin. We wish to rule ourselves, we have rejected God rule for self-rule. The problem with self-rule is that everyone is rule to themselves. We each become little gods. There is no way we can tell anyone, “You can’t do that,” or, “That’s wrong.”

In the last 24 hours I have heard numerous pieces on how we need to embrace love; then we can begin to learn to live together. Unfortunately, we live in a society that knows nothing about love.  Society labels love as acceptance. Acceptance means that I take you exactly the way you are. As soon as I make a call about morals or ethics, I am labeled as judgmental, racist, sexist, whatever –ist fits the topic at hand.

At First Presbyterian in Ennis, we sing a chorus in response to the benediction. The current one we are using is an old camp favorite, They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.

Unfortunately, most of us, myself included, stand little chance of being labeled as a Christian if the only thing the world uses to make the decision is how we love. . .how we love, not just the people like us, not just the people who will vote like we vote, not just the people who have the same skin color or cultural values that we have, not just people from our church, denomination, or who share religious prejudices with me.

We fear one another. Presently it seems minorities fear the established powers, while those same powers do not feel that they can trust the very people they are entrusted to watch over.

If perfect love does indeed cast out fear, then it is our goal to seek that perfect expression of love. As we seek common ground where all folks can stand equally we must come to the knowledge that the only place where all people are equal is on their knees at the foot of the cross asking forgiveness. Therefore, let us be Gospel people, people who share the Good News frequently, not just so bad people can become good people, but so fearful and anxious people can find that peace which passes all understanding.