Neighbors.
Nothing tests our love of neighbors quite like a turn signal someone apparently considers optional. We can believe in grace, mercy, and patience… until another car slips into the parking spot we’ve been guarding for 10 minutes.
With Gavin and countless high school students heading to homecoming at House of Blues, the bumper-to-bumper traffic proved that plenty of our neighbors had the same destination. Meanwhile, Isiah and our confirmands gathered for their confirmation retreat at Camp Warren Willis, taking another step in discovering what it means to follow Jesus. Between homecoming and confirmation, our family experienced two reminders of how much life happens in community and how much we need one another.
But what happens when our neighbors aren’t headed in the same direction?
This Sunday, Sacred Civics brings us to Matthew 5:43-48, where Jesus stretches us by teaching us to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (44). Jesus grounds this command in God’s character, who “…makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous” (45). As God’s children, we’re called to reflect this love and grace.
Last week, we saw the people Jesus calls blessed in the Beatitudes. Well, this week, the challenge comes closer to home. We will hear Jesus push us to love the relative who doesn’t share our views, the friend that posts nonsense, and the neighbor with a yard sign that makes us angry.
Jesus doesn’t ask us to get rid of convictions, ignore harmful policies, or forego the work of justice. Though, he does call us to love our enemies as growing disciples, following his example. Jesus knew someone’s humanity always remained worthy of love and care.
Who have we quietly kept from that circle of care? Be in prayer for that person and one another. God’s always moving us closer to Christ and each another.
This weekend, we have opportunities to grow as a community. TheoEd begins tomorrow (Friday, October 9) at 7:00 p.m., and the Beloved Community Summit gathers October 9-10 to explore how we preach and practice beloved community.
As always, we look forward to gathering for worship on Sunday. Join us, as beloved community starts with loving and… seeing our neighbors.
Then, after worship at 12:30 p.m., a semi-truck full of pumpkins arrives! Bring a neighbor, teammate, friend, or third cousin to help unload until we’re done. Student service hours are available; sign-up is encouraged but not required. Our pumpkin fundraiser supports St. Luke’s Child Development Center. Wear shoes ready for a little pumpkin teamwork!
Remember, it’s not Unloading pUmpkins… without U.
With love,
Pastor Corey