Day 27, Friday, Book of Faith – Lenten Journey
I must admit that the example of the imaginary conversation between the pastor and the scowling husband left me a little uneasy. It’s not that it doesn’t do a good job of illustrating what Jesus says about the need for reconciliation, that reconciliation is more important in the eyes of God than going through the rituals of worshipping God. God wants to be loved through the love we offer one another. What made me uncomfortable was the perfunctory way that the pastor’s advise seemed to be given. In fact, I experienced it more as an example of what the author says in the last sentence of the previous paragraph: “Much damage has been done by those who think God cares more about ‘the rules’ than relationships.” To me, the pastor seemed more concerned about the rule of attending to the relationship rather than the relationship itself.
Again, this concern is not meant to minimize the importance of being forgiving. Relationships matter to God. If God is love, (which 1John 4 makes very clear), than God can have it no other way, because love is all about relationships. The forgiveness we offer is born out of holy concern for relationship. I really like the Gandhi quote and the Theological Thought for today. I have one to add to it. In a book I read recently the main character needed to keep saying to himself, “It is more important to be loving than to be right.” Our society today could use a little more of that, especially in the political realm.
I’m interested in your thoughts about this. You don’t need to feel shy about adding your comments. What do you think about today’s meditation?
Here I am again trying to catch up!
I was shocked to hear the words this imaginary pastor was saying to this man showing up on a Sunday morning. It was cold and heartless as far as I’m concerned. I’m thinking there was a way to say the same thing – to have the man accomplish the same goal without being quite so crude!
In today’s world I think people are just too crude and yes cruel. You see it all the time in television shows and movies. It makes me wonder what this world is coming to. Civility seems to be leaving us. And this adage about don’t get mad, get even is absolutely terrible! I simply don’t understand the mindset. There’s such a thing as kindness – it may make it easier when one is a Christian but really I’m not liking the shift in behavior that I’m seeing.
All that bitterness, anger, and rage only makes a person more miserable. I’m hoping that our youth and young adults understand that at some point in time. Fighting, name calling, cruel remarks and just plain being rude are not what God had in mind for this world or for any of us. This world needs more civility and courtesy – what this world needs more of is complete and genuine love! Asking God to help you feel that love is a good place to start.