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News Letter
Dear Friends,
Jesus had many friends, which created controversy and problems. Religious leaders often criticized Jesus for the company he kept. He responded that he came for the people who needed him (e.g., Mk 2:13-17). We need our friends, and our friends need us. Facebook may be one of the ways you keep up with others, but for a friendship to truly mean anything, it should have the spiritual qualities of love Jesus teaches.
The marked difference between Christian spiritual love and the love promoted by secular society is shown by Jesus’ command, "Love your enemies" (Luke 6:27). But how realistic is this type of love? After all, we readily admit that we have no kind or warm feelings toward those whom we consider enemies. Often preachers and teachers try to interpret this command of Jesus by contedning that we don’t have to like our enemies, but we do have to love them. The words like and love are used so commonly by our culture that we equate them as emotional responses to people we meet. Then we try to persuade ourselves that we can love people whom we despise. If we are completely honest, however, we find our emotions cannot love those we do not particularly like.
But Jesus’ spiritual love is not based upon whether he particularly liked or loved people in an emotional way. No, Jesus’ love was based solely upon his mission to help others become complete, whole, and reconciled to God.
St. Paul reminds us, "Therefore, if your enemies are hungry, feed them" (Romans 12:20). When we truly care for others' needs, we emulate Jesus' love by assisting others to experience spiritual well-being and completeness.
Presbyterian preacher Sid Batts tells the story of a single mother who single-handedly raised a large family. In spite of all the frustrations, she had persevered. Every one of her children had made remarkable achievements. A reporter asked the mother her secret and said, "I suppose you loved all your children equally, making sure that all got the same treatment?" The mother replied, "I loved them. I loved them all, each one of them, but not equally. I loved the one the most that was down until he was up. I loved the one the most that was weak until she was strong. I loved the one the most that was hurt until he was healed. I loved the one the most that was lost until she was found." Her statement sounds a great deal like how Jesus loves us, doesn’t it?
We are reminded when we sing, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," that Jesus is the one person who will never "unfriend" us. Instead when others decide to "unfriend" us, the hymn provides, "Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In his arms he’ll take and shield thee, thou will find a solace there."
May this day we decide to befriend others the way Jesus does,
Pastor Kathy
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