Love of God and Neighbor

“You shall love the Lord your God

with all your heart, and with all your soul,

and with all your strength, 

and with all your mind;

and your neighbor as yourself.”

( from Luke 10:25-37)

I wasn't expecting it, but I wasn't surprised when it happened.

In the sharing of joys and concerns during worship someone said, "I thank God for the Supreme Court's decision."

You could feel the tension as some people braced for what might come next.

The pastor handled the situation gracefully reminding people we are a congregation where love for one another comes before politics.

Several thoughts struck me about the incident.

First is the idea of God and the Supreme Court being connected. In my quick search of the Scriptures I could not find the words "Supreme Court".  

Second, my understanding of a core belief of the Christian faith lies in the answer given to Jesus when asked about the most important law.

Above all else, love God and your neighbor. 

Third are my thoughts about prayer. 

God answers prayer, but not necessarily when we pray or what we pray for. 

God changes things, which could mean God may change the person praying.

God is Mystery, so we may not recognize an answer to prayer.

Fourth, my thoughts about the church. Based on my readings of Paul's letters and the pastoral letters, the church is a witness. It demonstrates God's love as shown through Jesus' life, death, resurrection and teachings.

Last, I am assured of this in the liturgy we use each Sunday as we hear the scriptures, pray the prayers, sing the hymns, and offer ourselves as people of praise and thanksgiving.

We live in difficult times, but I am certain God is with us!