When Love Grows Cold

The lectionary readings for September 28 include a familiar text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, where Paul reminds us that the body of Christ is inherently, necessarily diverse. With uncompromising language, Paul emphasizes that Christian unity is not based on uniformity, but in fact is healthy because differences are recognized as necessary for a community’s wholeness. No one can be excluded from the Body. In fact, those who may have more power, prestige or privilege need to note that in God’s realm, the focus radically shifts:

“But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” (1 Corinthians 12: 24-26)

I think this scripture ought to be read and meditated on by every delegate to General Conference. Actually, it should be read by every United Methodist as we approach the special General Conference.

There are voices who are seeking to limit who is in and who is out of the Body of Christ. There are some who would rather leave the denomination if we follow the lead of all mainline denominations in the United States and include lgbtq persons in the life and ministry of the church. John Wesley had stern words for those seeking to break relationship (and thereby the body of Christ) with others: 

“It is evil in itself. To separate ourselves from a body of living Christian, with whom we were before united, is a grievous breach of the law of love. It is the nature of love to unite us together; and the greater the love, the stricter the union. And while this continues in its strength, nothing can divide those whom love has united. It is only when our love grows cold, that we can think of separating from our brethren. And this is certainly the case with any who willingly separate from their Christian brethren.” John Wesley On Schism

Has our love grown cold, church?

In a world that is torn by divisions of race, class, ethnicity, political persuasions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more, the Church of Jesus Christ ought to provide a vital and living witness that diversity need not divide but can and should be celebrated. We ought to bring hope in these fractured times, as we reach across our differences in love.

I am praying for not only for our denomination, but every local church where there is brokenness. May the fire of the Holy Spirit burn in our churches, lighting the flame of Love in each of us. May it open our eyes and hearts to recognize the image of God in others, even in those we disagree with. We each are created as a beautiful and blessed child of God. Where there is tension because of differences, may we lean more fully in love toward one another.

May we be surprised by what God does through Love.