Today’s scripture: John 15:26-16:6 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):
As a gay person who believes in and loves Jesus, this passage resonates deeply within me. I consider myself fortunate to have never bought into the message that God and Jesus do not love us because of sexual orientation. I believe this has been a gift from the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth; I know that I am loved by God!
But I also live in the reality that there are people who would do me harm in the name of God, fully believing that they are doing what God wants. Jesus tells us, “And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me.” But Jesus has already warned us about these sorts. In today’s passage, he clearly tells us they are out there. Jesus tells us this so we will not stumble.
So how do we gather our strength when we are threatened? I am the type who gets angry and just wants to mow them all down! It would be so easy to go into barrels-a-flaring mode! Do unto other first, so they don’t do unto you.
But that is not Jesus’ way! If I am to follow his example I must re-evaluate my potential actions and follow his command: love them as Jesus loves me, and call them friend, make them my equals.
His warning shows me that he wants us to be ready. So what I take away from today’s passage is this: I need to practice love so when their hour comes, and I really need to know how to love those who would harm me, I can do it. Argh! I never liked doing my homework.
Prayer for the day: Lord, help me be willing to attempt your ways today. Help me follow your commands and treat others as I would like to be treated, even in the face of adversity.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.