Love is Love

June is Pride month. It’s time to recognize all the diverse voices that make up our world. It is calling the world to unity not prejudice, to acceptance not vilification. It’s an opportunity to show support of those of us on the fringe, just trying to live our lives and love who we wish. To let us know we aren’t alone, we are accepted by many and there are people standing in solidarity with us.

I read a post on Facebook that pointed out that the Lord’s Prayer, how Jesus taught us, is directed at “us” not “me”. The basic tenet of Christianity is love and we’re taught that love is the foundation of our relationship with God and the least we can offer others.

Matthew 6:9-13 NRSVU (emphasis added)

“Pray, then, in this way:

OUR Father in heaven, may your name be revered as holy.

May your kingdom come.  May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give US today OUR daily bread.

And forgive US OUR debts, as WE also have forgiven OUR debtors.

And do not bring US to the time of trial, but rescue US from the evil one."

We’re called first to honor God, to plead His kingdom will come and asking for His will on earth. We’re asking for this world to return to right fellowship with Him, our fellow journeyers, and the earth we inherit. It sets the stage for everything else.

And then, He does an interesting thing. He teaches us to pray for US. Meet OUR need for food. It’s not just God meeting my needs, it’s meeting OUR needs. Blessings on earth are here for all of us not just a select few. Not just one person who needs food but all of US. All in need.

The next is to ask for forgiveness for all of us as we have forgiven others. It’s calling us again to pray for the community not just the individual. And it puts the onus on our actions. Are we demonstrating forgiveness? If we need forgiveness – and we all do – then we need to forgive others. We don’t live in a vacuum. We live with other people who fail to live up to the perfect love God gives us, but we’re called to show mercy to all of us: me, you and everyone.

Finally, I believe He lets us know that life will be bad sometimes and we need God on our side. Troubles will come, evil is real, fears can be pervasive, but God is in charge, and we can pray to Him for deliverance.

God calls us into community. He calls us to love not just the loveable but the unlovable. Not just the rich. Not just the connected. Not just those we agree with. God calls us to love everyone, pray for everyone, accept everyone. Amen!

Photo by Yoav Hornung on Unsplash