In Luke’s account of Jesus’ teaching on judging others (Luke 6:37-42), we see with new eyes, and hear with new ears, what it means to “stay in love with God.” Judgment, we have convinced ourselves, is a way to marginalize those unlike us and to disenfranchise others based on stereotypes, accusations, rumors, and perceptions. Consequently we all judge others, but yet we dislike being judged. (Yes, this involves both sides of the political spectrum.)

If we’re to “stay in love with God” we will embrace God’s call to love as we’ve been loved. Bishop Job writes: “The question Jesus asked of Peter in John 21:15, 'Do you love me?' reveals a great deal about the essentials of our relationship with God. Three times Jesus asked, 'Do you love me?' And three times Peter answered in the affirmative. Staying in love with God was the primary issue of a faithful life then, and it is today. For from such a life of love for God will flow the goodness and love of God to the world.” (p.57)

Practicing Radical Hospitality moves me away from a life of exclusion to a life of embrace. Embracing the stranger, the disenfranchised, the marginalized, the lonely, the vulnerable, and, yes, those we like to demonize, is the way of love and a way of “staying in love" with God! In love with God, there’s no room for judgment and condemnation.

I look forward to seeing you in church as we strive to stay in love with God by embracing God’s call to radical hospitality! Invite friend, relative, acquaintance, or neighbor to join you!

Through Christ,

Pastor Doug