A Foundation of Hate or Love?
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
For years, I’ve appreciated Richard Rohr, who is a Franciscan Friar and author of several books on mysticism. In The Wisdom Pattern chapter on “Beyond Victimhood,” Rohr writes, “People more easily define themselves by what they are against, by who they hate, by who else is wrong, instead of by what they believe in and whom they love.” In one sentence, Rohr seems to have captured our present political and Christian religious missteps. Our society is trying so hard to name what they are against; we’ve forgotten what we believe in and why love is our most valuable asset.
Our society has become morally and spiritually lazy. It is easier to name what we disagree with than what we love. Ever try to write a poem or a song? It is easier to put into words what hurts us than to name, define, and express why we love something or someone. It is also easier to express our anger than it is to muster the empathy to offer compassion. We witness anger and hate over love in many of our churches today.
Churches define and even market themselves by what they are against, rather than basing their beliefs on the inclusive, omniscient love of Almighty God. Many churches easily name the “sinner,” who looks and acts differently from them, and call them to change or be cast into eternal damnation. Notice, the call is not to become more loving, but for the “sinner” to be more like them, and their narrow view of Christianity. They claim to be loving by trying to “save” the person from their actions. Love becomes so narrowly defined that it can quickly cease to exist.
While we must stand for our beliefs and provide accountability when people unjustly hurt one another, the goal must always be reconciliation and love throughout the process. Rather than victimize until the other becomes one with us, each action and motivation must be evaluated so that love is the initial and ongoing intent. Too often, “saving” others is done to affirm oneself. “Thank God I am not like them!” Instead, loving must be the first, middle, and last motivation and action. The Christianity of Jesus Christ is less about right theological belief and more about loving action, offered in Christ’s name. Evaluate the individuals and groups who drive you to anger. Ask God to reframe your thoughts to begin and end with love. Then, watch how God transforms your relationships and your heart.
