The Bible is a complex book.
It is a progressive and ever-changing record of our
attempts to explain
that transcendent and yet immanent power that is woven
into the universe
and woven into our lives.
All of us corporately
Each of us individually
There are a few verses that are my north star Paul’s words in Romans ring true:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what
is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on
you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but
leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will
repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty,
give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
And these words from Micah
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does
the Lord require of you?
To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with
your God.”
Be a person who engages in the cause of Justice.
Strive against the misuse of power by individual people,
churches, politicians, or institutions.
I believe we are called, all of us, to make right that
which has been unjust.
We cannot let inequity, injustice, oppression, and
suffering have the last word.
We cannot
Be a person who has humility.
This is not about discounting ourselves.
There are plenty of people around who will do that. We shouldn’t do it to ourselves.
(and often do)
This simply means that we do not think of ourselves more
highly than we ought.
It is not all about us! We are not the center of all that
happens.
Really!
It means we do not put ourselves (or our country, party,
or leader) in the place of God.
Be Kind
Look at others with the eyes of Jesus.
See the “other” (even that concept is troublesome) as valuable,
loved by Sacred, a unique creation of God.
See that they are beautiful, broken, capable, struggling,
joyful, grieving
See them and understand that there is more going on than
you see
The common saying is true
“Be kind, everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing
about
Kindness is power
Kindness is freeing
Kindness is healing
Kindness is love
And kindness is a commitment.
To walk through each day
Noticing
The glimmers of pain, joy, distress, worry
And doing those random acts of kindness
Which might be as simple as a smile
Which might be stepping back
Being silent
Saying words of compassion
This is a new day
We are all walking together into a new future
We will all participate
By how we live
In shaping that future
So let us act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our
God.
Let us overcome evil (and evil people and movements)
With good
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