Embracing the Radical Call to Love
The Unavoidable Reality of Human Differences
We’re all wired differently, and that’s what makes life interesting. Each person bears the image of God, uniquely crafted with distinct temperaments, interests, and personalities. It’s no wonder we don’t always mesh well with others. However, this diversity can lead to division, and we often find ourselves dismissing or rejecting those who don’t fit our mold.
The Dangers of Dismissal
This dismissal can manifest in various forms, from subtle social exclusion to outright rejection. We might justify our actions by citing differences in race, politics, theology, or social status. At its extreme, this behavior becomes “cancel culture,” where we silence others simply because they don’t share our views. This phenomenon is rampant in politics, the media, and social media.
A Higher Calling for Christians
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to rise above this cultural norm. We’re to emulate the example set by Christ, who never rejected or cancelled those around him. Instead, he showed forgiveness to the sinful, patience to the rebukers, and kindness to the rejecters. Jesus embodied the qualities of faithfulness, hope, and love, never succumbing to rudeness, boastfulness, or pride.
The Radical Model of Love
Paul’s iconic passage on love highlights the importance of treating others with loving patience, kindness, and hope – especially those we’d rather avoid. This is more than just a sentimental feeling; it’s a willingness to live like Jesus. The way we treat others is rooted in how Jesus treats us. By embracing this call to love, we can transform the world around us.
Living Out the Gospel
Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that our love should extend to those we might otherwise neglect. As we strive to love like Christ, we’ll find that our relationships are built on a foundation of faithfulness, hope, and love. This radical call to love has the power to revolutionize our communities and the world at large.
The Transformative Power of Love
Imagine a world where love reigns supreme, where kindness and patience are the norm. This is the world we can create when we choose to follow Jesus’ example. As we embody the qualities of love, we’ll discover that it’s not just a feeling, but a powerful force that can change lives and transform the world.
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