Lent 2018 Devotional: Day Thirty-Eight

[Jesus said] "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." --John 13:35

When one looks at the disputes that cause animosity across the body of Christ, it can be difficult to discern love for one another there. Too often our churches are known for preaching hate, not love. For casting out members when fear exceeds love, people who challenge us to accept that Christ loves and invites all of us into community, no exceptions. That all are invited to offer their gifts of love and service, without being shamed and minimized by fellow disciples.

At the Maundy Thursday service, the altar is stripped. We sit in the darkness, in death and absence. Maybe you are feeling absence in this time. Easter is not yet here. We wait. We grieve the one who died for us, to reconcile us to God and one another.

If you have been hurt by the church, felt fear and misunderstanding instead of love, know this is not what Jesus intends for you. Jesus calls disciples to love one another. Pray for healing. Pray for resurrection.

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