My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12-13
My earthly father is a pastor as am I. Although our roles look much different in living color, we enjoy talking shop, his sermons, my blog, my sermons and the sheep we shepherd. He often responds to my thoughts, expanding my understanding and giving me new and deeper insights. Not so long ago he made an inspiring point regarding my comments on the twelve disciples, specifically, Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector. I am going to share a portion of the text I received, edited for flow.
Imagining the diversity of the twelve is a great lesson for the church. Our LORD was risking everything by allowing Matthew (willing to work with Rome) and Simon (despised Rome’s presence in Palestine) in the same room. Outside of grace, had Matthew met Simon in a dark alley on a dark night, one or the other might have felt a dagger slide between his ribs. Jesus understood the broad spectrum of sin’s predicament and fashioned the church to address the mess. He still does. Rev. J. Bryan Jones.
Love one another no matter what. Laying down a life is not just a physical act, it is every bit emotional, spiritual, and idealogical. We must take on the countenance of Jesus, the sacrifice. Opinions don’t have a place when you’re called to love. When love unifies, it changes the world!
LOVE,
Gretchen