Number 14 comes from the LOVE series that Walt published in February.
Love is a choice God wants us to make
STEP ONE: BREATHE
Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.
STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Galatians 5:13-14
I learned a long time ago that in ministry, as in life, you can't make everybody happy. From time to time, folks leave anonymous messages on the church's answering machine expressing their displeasure. As a leader, there is not much follow up that you can do if people won't own their opinions. I have made it a practice, and a policy, not to address anonymous complaints.
Recently, we got the strangest message that makes me both chuckle and wonder. There was a fair bit of anger in the electronic recording. This tirade demanded that the church stop sending Valentines!
Let me offer a little context. For the past few years, St. James Lutheran has hosted a Valentine's Day Luncheon for its widows and widowers. We go to Olive Garden and treat everyone to soup, salad, and breadsticks. Folks have much appreciated this ministry of our church that reaches out to those who are missing loved ones on a day that celebrates love.
This year, we used handmade invitations for the luncheon. They fit in tiny square envelopes. What we didn't realize at the time of mailing, was that these little invites required additional postage. Nowhere on the envelope box was that mentioned. Upon delivery, the postal worker collected fifteen cents from each recipient. As soon as we realized the mistake, we started handing out dimes and nickels. Most folks found the situation humorous. At least that is what we thought as we handed out the reimbursements.
Stop sending Valentines; they cost us money! The angry caller did not share in the mirth of an honest mistake. Instead of delighting in being invited to a free lunch, they chose to grumble about fifteen cents! Since they didn't leave their name, we are unable to apologize or give them their fifteen cents. If by chance it was you, let me know, I will provide you with both.
The whole scenario got me to think about a core aspect of Christian spirituality. At the heart of the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth was the command to love one another. Based on the love that God has for all people, Christians are to reflect
God's love to others. This love happens or doesn't, through words, deeds, and thoughts.
Years ago, a first-grade teacher friend, used to teach her classroom to make 'loving- choices.' When a child did something that wasn't kind, she would ask them, "is that a loving choice?" Even those who regularly misbehaved knew the answer to that question and were able to take corrective action.
Making loving choices is not to be reserved for children. It is something that we each need to consider regardless of our age. The health of our relationships depends upon it. Whether we are talking about life partners, children, families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or our community - we all need to make and be the recipients of loving choices. Kindness, compassion, mercy, forgiveness - these are essential values connected with loving choices. Without them, things fall apart, separate, breakdown, disintegrate, and implode.
Love is a choice that God wants us all to make; this is a statement that all Christian denominations would support. The core ethical teachings of Judaism, Islam, and Buddism also agree. When fringe elements or extremists in any religion depart from love, others in those traditions point out that they do not represent their respective faiths.
Each day presents a myriad of opportunities for each of us to make loving choices. No matter who we are, how old we are, or in what pew we worship we can decide to act in loving ways. We can use words filled with kindness and concern as we relate to others. On the other hand, we also have the freedom to grumble, complain, and gripe. In countless situations throughout each day, we decide.
Fellow Minnesotans, I'm talking about more than being nice. Love moves deeper than surface politeness, smiles, and waves to a place where our spirit connects with another. It is a matter of the heart that honors all people as created in God's image. As such, it is a holy and sacred endeavor.
Think about what a difference we could make if we each commit ourselves to the work of choosing to love. It could have revolutionary effects in our civil discourse, online postings, family chats, and the messages that we leave on church voicemail.
STEP THREE: RESPOND IN PRAYER
Loving God, you have chosen to send your grace, mercy, and compassion to me. Your love blesses my life in so many ways. Lead me to make loving choices this day in my dealings with others. Guide my words, thoughts, and actions so that they reflect your love. Through Jesus's love, amen.
Permission granted to share with friends and family. Copyrighted 2019. Walt Lichtenberger