"Against such things there is no law."Galatians 5:23
This Sunday we begin a new series,The Church the World Needs.I kick it off by focusing on a church where everyone belongs. Working on this Sunday's sermon reminded me of an experience from 30 years ago.
I was right out of seminary and went to serve a church in England for one year. I was assigned to Victoria Methodist Church in Bristol located on the campus of the University of Bristol. I was also the chaplain to Methodist students, which was an easier job than I thought since only a handful of students admitted to being Methodists! But, this role also meant I attended the monthly chaplains' breakfast with all the other Christian ministers who, like me, served churches near the campus.
Days before one of these breakfasts, there was big news that the Anglican Bishop of Bristol denied ordination to one of the faculty members because he was gay. At our breakfast, we discussed sending an expression of sympathy knowing how hurtful this was to the faculty person. What ensued caught me off guard.
A debate developed over whether or not this would be appropriate. The Catholic priests and Anglican pastor (who sided with the above referenced bishop) adamantly opposed a statement of sympathy. Others, some quite passionately, felt our responsibility as chaplains was not just to students but faculty as well, and we should express support to a hurting brother. The others roared in protest that such a statement would sound as if we are condoning homosexuality.
Finally, the pastor of the Reformed Church spoke words that have stuck with me ever since. He asked a question, "What does it say about us as representatives of Christ if we can show compassion only when we agree?"
What a great question to live with. Sometimes we fear showing compassion lest we appear to be condoning. But what if we can show compassion even when we disagree? How much would you say the world needs that kind of church?
In Galatians, Paul opposed those who were laying heavy rules on Christians. He described what it meant to live by the "fruit of the Spirit." That fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Then Paul simply says,"Against such things there is no law."We are free to be compassionate.
Rob