Moving forward, I will strive more fervently to “err on the side of love,” as the saying goes. This does not mean I will stop pointing out what I see as uncomfortable truths. I believe more than ever we need that in our current time. But I will seek to be more engaging and less compelling. I will do all I can to not speak out of bitterness and frustration, but instead pursue grace and an invitation to discussion.
Tag: Christianity
A closer look at Luke (Part 12): Do we prioritize the healing, or the Sabbath?
When we look at protests, do we see the pain of centuries of injustice, or do we see graffiti? When we hear about yet another unarmed Black person killed by police officers, do we see the shedding of innocent blood, or do we seek to find an excuse (such as a misdemeanor on their record that means they were a “criminal,” and, by extension, deserved to die) to justify it? When we see healing on the Sabbath, do we see 18 years of disability come to a loving end, or do we see a violation of religious ritual?
This is your time
The whole world is watching to see our response. It’s only reached this point because Trump’s base of American “Christians” has remained silent (or even openly supported) his long list of prior words and actions that violate everything Jesus lived (and died) for.
A closer look at Luke (Part 11): Jesus’ ongoing call to selfless living
Today’s closer look at Luke examines another section of lengthy discourse. So many of the things Jesus says tie back to many of the topics we’ve already touched on in previous posts, with the core of the message being a radical faith that is lived out through selfless sacrifice to provide for everyone else. Basically, every step of the way, Jesus’ call contradicts what we naturally choose to pursue and the values of a materialistic world.
A closer look at Luke (Part 10): Prayer and woe
All of these things are rooted in selfishness, arrogance, and greed. And that ties us right back to the key components of the simple prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray at the beginning of the chapter.
When wearing a mask reveals everything about a person
I’m thankful for opportunities to learn something new, even when the realization seems so obvious that I feel quite stupid. Far more important than my personal feelings is the chance to make a minor temporary change to how I go about my life so I can do my own little part to protect others. Because I believe that all life – any single life – is worth the minor discomfort of me wearing a mask to protect others when I’m in public.
A closer look at Luke (Part 7): A warning about discernment
In this passage, we see a highlighting of the essential role of women in Jesus’ ministry, and we see a solemn warning against misusing the secrets of the kingdom of God revealed to us through the words and life of Jesus. Let us keep both in mind as we move forward in our efforts to follow Christ and be the lamp on a stand in our world today.
What is your goal in belittling a deadly disease?
Since I know the people I continue to see on Facebook doing this are incredibly loving Christians and proudly pro-life, I feel compelled to ask why they feel a need to do this? Please take a step back and consider the message you’re truly sending to the people around you, many of whom will lose someone they care about (if they haven’t already) due to this disease.
A closer look at Luke (Part 3): Jesus’ ministry begins
Chapter 4 of Luke turns the attention fully to Jesus, and within this chapter’s 44 verses we learn of Jesus’ early temptations, rejection, and healings.
The problem with the “Reluctant Trump” claim
The supposed “Reluctant Trump” voters are the most powerful voters in our country. If they’re not going to express their “reluctance,” they can call themselves whatever they want. The end result is no different from the blind allegiance voters.
Castles in the Sand 