The Living Word and the Loving Christ

Focus Statement

God's word reveals our true selves,

while Jesus offers grace.

We're called to build a community where love transcends differences,

embodying the living Word in our relationships.

Point of Relation

As a pastor,

I often encounter viewpoints that challenge my own beliefs.

In these moments,

I'm tempted to argue or correct,

to assert my own understanding.

But I've learned that our calling as Christians isn't to win debates,

but to create space where all can express themselves and feel heard.

Our challenge is to transcend these differences,

uniting in the love of Christ.

Remember, we are all children of God,

created in the image of our Compassionate Creator.

This shared identity is our common ground,

more profound than any disagreement.

Things to Consider

As we reflect on God's living Word

and Christ's loving presence, consider:

How does God's Word challenge your comfort zones?

Like a skilled surgeon, it may cause discomfort,

but always with the intent to heal and transform.

In what ways can you embody Christ's love,

especially when facing differing viewpoints within our church family?

Remember, Jesus calls us to love one another as He has loved us.

What Scripture Says

God's Word operates like a divine surgeon,

wielding a scalpel of truth

that cuts deeper than any earthly blade.

Hebrews 4:12 reveals,

"For the word of God is alive and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword,

it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,

joints and marrow;

it judges the thoughts

and attitudes of the heart."

This living Word probes our spiritual anatomy,

exposing our facade.

Under this divine diagnostic light, we can't hide.

Hebrews 4:13 lays us bare:

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare

before the eyes of him

to whom we must give account."

This exposure can be uncomfortable,

especially when facing challenging decisions

and differing viewpoints within our church family.

For instance,

we've recently experienced this discomfort with the UMC's decision regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Some of us stand on different sides of this issue,

and, friends, that's okay.

We're all at different places in our theological understanding,

and God's Word challenges each of us uniquely.

Yet in this vulnerability, we encounter hope.

Hebrews 4:15-16 introduces our Sympathetic Surgeon:

"For we do not have a high priest

who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses,

but we have one who has been tempted in every way,

just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Let us then approach God's throne of grace

with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy

and find grace to help us

in our time of need.”

This High Priest is Jesus,

the Word made flesh.

John 1:1,14 proclaims,

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."

Jesus is the living embodiment of God's Word,

fulfilling the Law.

Jesus challenges us

to grow beyond our current understanding,

regardless of where we stand on specific issues.

His teachings cut through our preconceptions,

whether progressive, conservative, or in between.

The rich young ruler, for instance, was challenged to give up wealth,

the Pharisees to show mercy,

and the disciples to embrace a spiritual kingdom.

Today, Jesus calls us to examine our hearts,

question our assumptions,

and grow in understanding God's expansive love.

Jesus calls us to a deeper understanding of God's heart.

When asked about the greatest commandment,

He responds in Mark 12:30-31,

"'Love the Lord your God

with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.'

The second is this:

'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

There is no commandment greater than these."

Furthermore,

Jesus commands in John 13:34-35:

"Love one another. As I have loved you,

so you must love one another.

By this everyone will know

that you are my disciples."

Friends, this command from our Lord transcends our differences and disagreements.

As we navigate complex issues,

we're called to embody this love.

It's okay to have different viewpoints,

but we should always seek understanding

and love each other as God's family.

When we do this,

we reflect Christ's true presence.

This is the paradox of God's Word -

it cuts deep, exposing our shortcomings,

but always to heal and lead us to love.

Jesus frees us from perfect rule-following,

calling us to love-driven obedience

and unity in diversity.

As we move forward,

we can continue in love for one another.

This love doesn't require agreement on every issue,

but it does demand respect,

compassion,

and a commitment to walking together

as followers of Christ.

What This Means for You

In the light of God's living Word, we stand exposed, yet not condemned.

This revelation is meant to heal and transform.

God's Word penetrates your heart,

revealing your true self,

while Jesus, our high priest, offers understanding and grace.

My friends,

you're invited to approach God honestly,

even with your doubts and questions.

Remember, Jesus looks at you with love,

just as He did the rich young ruler.

Your faith journey isn't about perfection,

but about growing in love for God and others,

even amidst challenges and differences.

What This Means for Us

As a church,

we face challenging theological differences

that test our unity.

The living Word calls us to create a community

where truth and grace coexist,

where disagreement doesn't mean disconnection.

In these tense moments,

let's listen deeply, seek understanding,

and love fiercely.

Our unity isn't based on uniform thinking,

but on Christ's unifying love.

Again, unity is NOT uniformity!

As we navigate these waters,

we hold firmly to faith while extending compassion.

Together, we approach God's throne of grace,

diverse yet united,

embodying the transformative power of Christ's love.

Written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.