Love First, Not Judge First

A few weeks ago, at a workshop, I asked participants to stand up and approach at least 3 people and say, “You are a beloved child of God and God is very pleased with you.”  This activity always connects people in meaningful ways very quickly.  At this particular setting, a man started crying and said, “No one has ever said that to me before!”

For many, love is something that we earned.  We have to do something good and pleasing to someone in order to receive love.  Some of us might also think that we don’t deserve such a love because we have done something wrong and have made mistakes in the past.   Some of us might think that a person who loves us unconditionally doesn’t really exist. Some of us might think that it is foolish for a person to love anyone without any conditions and might open him/herself up for abuse.

Yet, Jesus talked about God as someone who loves us first unconditionally.  We don’t have to earn this love. When we have made mistakes, instead of judging us, God still loves us.  In response to this unconditional love, we don’t judge ourselves, or others, but love first and do good.  This unconditional love is the foundation of a sustainable community.  It is in the offering of this love to each other that energizes the flow of material, human, spiritual and natural resources throughout the community, rejuvenating relationships, creating a gracious sustainable community.

 

2013 Opportunities to Study with The Sustainist: April 15-19 Missional Ministry in the Grace Margin and Holy Currencies Orientation Los Angeles, CA July 15-19 Holy Currencies: Beyond Time, Talent and Treasure Los Angeles, CA August 19-23 Fundamental Skills for Building Inclusive Community and Holy Currencies Orientation Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center, North Bend (near Seattle), WA Register at:  www.kscopeinstitute.org

Reflection Questions for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year C) Joshua 5:9-12    What did you learn from this text about living in abundance? Psalm 32   What does it mean to trust in God? 2 Corinthians 5:16-21   How are you being a new creation in Christ Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32   What does God love you?

Eric H. F. Law
Kaleidoscope Institute
For competent leadership in a diverse changing world
www.kscopeinstitute.org