I finally put my finger on something the day before the election: So much of whether I can respect someone rides on whether or not I see compassion as evident in their lives and values. And saying, "Well, of course I have compassion for [X], but..." doesn't count.
I notice this especially being surrounded by so many Christians. I've struggled to articulate why this election and frankly our society in general is so disheartening, but it's because on every level I have seen a grave lack of compassion. That is honestly my biggest concern across party lines and up and down the age spectrum.
This past sunday, the speaker at my church (our new youth pastor) talked about when Jesus said we'd abide in his love if we keep his commands. The pastor noted that the greatest commands are to love the Lord and love your neighbor. I've been thinking, we have an incredibly cheapened idea of what it means to "love [our] neighbor". We have mouths constantly salivating at the chance to bite at someone with so-called truth. We are ever ready to self serve and preserve.
Anyway, the passage continues on with Jesus saying that we are to love each other as He has loved us. What's interesting and striking, and one of my favorite yet most challenging verses, is the verse that follows: "Greater love has no one than this: that one should lay one's life down for their friend." Beautiful...and convicting. Because isn't the point of my life that it's mine? And isn't it that I only get one chance to live it, so everything better look Pinterest perfect? And I certainly shouldn't have to work any harder or give anything up for someone else. I certainly shouldn't have to be gracious, or put someone else's needs before my own... But that's exactly what we're called to - nay, commanded to do. Sure, I think we're incapable of truly laying our lives down for a friend. But that's what Christ did in His death, out of love and we're called to emulate Him. As 1 John 3:16 tells us, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." That is what Christ said is the second greatest command: love others [we share space and municipality and life with].
This week, love has been a challenge. But I think we need to continue to look at the example of Christ's life, because that love is transformative and leaves a wake of good. Jesus didn't love easy; going to the cross wasn't just for those that are easy to love and it wasn't an easy act. Mercy isn't just for those that were unfairly treated, but those who deserved what came down on Christ in their stead.
After the results came in, I was talking with two friends into the wee hours as we were in shock and awe. One painted a beautiful picture of how if Jesus will meet us in our iniquities with mercy, he will show the same to our enemies. In that we have hope, knowing that that mercy, his kindness leads us to repentance. No Facebook post will do what He will. So show up in love, live with compassion on the forefront.
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
Micah 6:8
