|
Read: Luke 15:11-31, I John 3:16-20.
Dear Fellow Justice Traveler,
We are living at a time that is defined by high levels of polarization, especially around race and politics, and it can get personal fast. In today’s cancel-culture, we are led to believe that people are too far gone for us to even attempt to build bridges, yet I believe building bridges is the work of those who follow Christ. He demonstrated love for us in emptying himself of his rights, privileges, and power to teach us a better way forward. This is the Christ we follow, and we join him in emptying ourselves of our rights, privileges, reputations, expectations, and even disappointments to walk a life that embodies love and forgiveness.
This is really hard! Much like the older brother in the parable of the lost son, I was fine to no longer have Christians who disagreed with me, labeled me a liberal and thought I was sub-Christian because I did justice work. I was fine to no longer have them as a part of my daily life, but that is not of the Father nor is it of his kingdom. I cannot serve God and hold contempt in my heart for those he loves. If we sincerely care about restoration and justice, we must be motivated by love to help restore all people, working with Christ in His reconciliation of all things (Col 1:19-20).
|
