We live in a world where people are more concerned with material possessions than with loving one another. We fight and struggle with one another over the most trivial of matters while ignoring genocide, violence, war, poverty, homelessness, and abuse.
I cannot tell you the number of times over the last few years that I have been called a heretic, demon possessed, or the devil himself (typically I am told that I am Satin, but we all know what they mean.) And June is a month when this type of abuse increases. Since the start of June just 7 days ago now, I have received 25 messages telling me I am going to hell or that I am leading others to hell.
What for? Because I preach love.
Jesus warns us that a demon cannot cast out another demon. But it did not stop the fundamentalists religious leaders of his day from calling him a demon. I guess, then, I am in good company.
While this was going on, Jesus took the opportunity to teach the people willing to listen that he was casting out demons, healing people, and feeding the hungry by the power of God. He reminds us that love is the primary command.
If the words coming out of your mouth are not based in love, or even received as loving by the individual they are directed at, then you are not living the message of Jesus. You are living the message of the world.
Today, I pray that you will join us as we work to be better examples of Jesus in the world around us.
Pax et Bonum,
Bishop Greer