Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 27: 36-38
This scripture lesson is part of the "Sermon on the Plain", where Jesus brought his lesson right down to the level of the people. Verse 17-26 starts out with the blessings and the woes, thus leading into verse 27 where Jesus challenges us with radical love for our neighbor. This radical love we learn about is the same radical love we must have if we are to flourish as not only Christians, but as a country also. This radical love that Jesus teaches us challenges our deepest fears, thoughts, concerns, biases, you name it. The radical love that bridges all our divides is the radical love that Jesus is teaching us. You see, friends, it i easy to get caught up in it all. The past few months of my life have certainly taught me that. I can imagine that has happened to you too, if not recently, then at some time in your life it has.
In today's increasingly polarized world, we often find ourselves struggling with a fundamental challenge: how to maintain our Christian values while showing genuine compassion for those whose beliefs and lifestyles differ from our own. As members of one body, we are called to reflect on what it truly means to follow Jesus's teaching to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31).
Understanding Without Compromising means while we may hold firm to our biblical principles, this doesn't exempt us from showing Christ-like love to all of God's children. Jesus himself demonstrated this by dining with tax collectors and showing compassion to those whom society had marginalized. He didn't compromise His values, but He never withheld His love and mercy.
In evaluating our Christian challenge in bridging the divide, it's easy to retreat into our comfort zones and avoid engaging with those who see the world differently. However, this approach doesn't align with our calling as Christians. We must remember that every person, regardless of their beliefs or choices, is created in God's image and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
As we move forward with grace here are some suggestions we can show Christian love while maintaining our beliefs:
Listen First: Seek to understand others' experiences without rushing to judgment
Show Empathy: Acknowledge that pain and suffering are universal human experiences
Extend Grace: Remember that we are all imperfect beings in need of God's grace
Take Action: Stand against bullying and oppression in all forms
Pray: Both for those we agree with and those we don't
Building Bridges, Not Walls As a church community, we're called to be bridge-builders. While we may not agree with every movement or ideology in society, we can still:
Oppose discrimination and hatred
Support those who feel marginalized
Create safe spaces for respectful dialogue
Demonstrate Christ's love through our actions
Remember, Jesus didn't call us to agree with everyone, but He did call us to love everyone. In doing so, we become living testimonies of His grace and mercy in a world that desperately needs both.
This week I will emphasize these points and expand upon them in our church service. I look forward to seeing you at our 10:00 service on Sunday Morning.
Pastor Mark Poyner
Comments