Greetings WAC Community,
Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
I Corinthians 13:13
This past week I purchased cranberry juice, but not until after I had read the ingredients. I had discovered earlier that a label on a bottle that says, “Cranberry Juice” does not necessarily mean that the primary ingredient contained is actually cranberry juice. There may be more of other juices, such as grape and apple, but still be labeled “Cranberry Juice.”
I hear labels being tossed out all the time that are not necessarily accurate or have lost or changed their meanings. Learning the ingredients is more important. When visiting my family recently, one of my sisters-in-law referred to another one of my sisters-in-law she had not seen in over 25 years as being a snob. I do not see that. I see her as reserved. She prefers to stay in the background. Which is the accurate label, “snob” or “reserved?” I prefer believing she is reserved, because that seems to me to be a more accurate interpretation of her quiet manner.
The labels “conservative” and “liberal” are used frequently to describe politicians, but what do those labels mean anymore? What are the core values that make up the ingredients that direct their actions? Paul tells us in his letter to the Corinthians that “faith, hope and love” are what we should strive for as core ingredients, but that “love” is the greatest of these. The sermon I heard this morning from my pastor was based on Jesus after his resurrection asking Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter answers each time, “Of course.” And Jesus tells Peter, if that’s the case, then he needs to show it. (John 21:15-19)
This coming week, I go to Washington, DC, for the National Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Advocacy Days with the focus on “Race, Class and Power.” For the church to show our love for Jesus, we must demonstrate it in our actions. While love is the greatest, the other ingredients needed are faith and hope. Our gift to others who are poor or oppressed is hope for a better future, faith that change is possible and love that shares the resources for the common good. Is that conservative or liberal? I would argue that both labels could apply, but that the true test is in the ingredients. Do the actions reflect love of God and others?
Can you help us out for me to go to DC to show God’s love by my advocating along with other church leaders for justice in DC? While I sought to find the least expensive airfare and lodging, it still costs. Your contribution can help defray the expenses. Help us make the voice of Wyoming’s churches heard in DC above the noises of greed, ideology and bigotry. Make a contribution now by clicking here. Or mail your contribution to WAC, PO Box 1473, Laramie, WY 82073. Your support makes a difference.
Fear not. Be bold. Do justice.
Blessings,
Chesie