March 30, 2021

Weekly Reflections – The Most Loving Place on Earth

The Most Loving Place on Earth

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”  (I Cor 12:27)

This week has been a really tough week, one in which I have found myself off balance more moments than usual. I have experienced conflicted relationships in one of my spiritual communities that wandered far from the dictum that, “The church should be the most loving place on earth.” And I have grieved.

One sermon I heard yesterday providentially spoke about how “One of us is all of us.” And, “Don’t try to do life without the body.” It was said that the body poorly protects that which it does not feel. When one part of the body hurts, all of the body hurts. Just think of the last time you stubbed your toe.

Yes, we are to feel one another! We are told to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:15) One of the greatest gifts I can give you is to be excited about you and your life. Conversely, “Bear one another’s burdens and therefore fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2) I have this week experienced the impact of adults who hold differing views on seemingly important issues but fail to interact with charity.

The focus seems to be on process and procedure but fails to cover it with love. An onlooker might be hard-pressed to conclude that such is the most loving place on earth.

How could these situations be improved? How can we make this the most loving place on earth? Here are some bullet point suggestions that come directly from the scriptures.

Love one another!
Pray for one another!
Forgive one another!
Encourage one another!
Recognize someone’s worth and treat them accordingly!

As Christians, our job is the restoration (and reconciliation) of people who have been crushed. We are called to see people as being redeemed. We are to honor them in spite of their so very obvious wound-inflicted scars. The act of honoring cuts across the grain of a dishonoring world.

Honoring is always encouraging. Recognize one another’s worth! Celebrate their wins! Serve them willingly! Yes, even when they do dishonorable things. I think Jesus showed us something about that. And so did the apostle Paul who wrote, “…love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor.” (Rom 12:10)

May my thoughts and ponderings be translated into concrete action in the coming days.

Blessings and Peace,