Volume 1
Issue 8
June 17, 2020
Loving Like Jesus They say that bad times bring out the ____________ in you. I am sure that during this time of pandemic, we can think of several words to fill that blank. We see the best in people who are reaching out and checking in to help their neighbors. We see people volunteering to pick up and deliver groceries, and we see nurses traveling to different parts of the country to serve on the front lines. We have also seen the worst in people who are yelling at or trying to guilt people to wear a mask or not to not wear a mask, to stay home or not stay home, to open the church building or wait longer. Unfortunately, there have been people who have shown hatred. Another word we could put in that blank is real. The true you tends to show up when the pressure is on. In a recent youth meeting at a Chinese church, we were studying John on the topic of “loving like Jesus.” In the context of discussing how we can show love during this time of quarantine, one young man asked, “How do we show love while dealing with heightened xenophobia towards Asian-Americans in this time...” I immediately experienced a range of emotions. I was both impressed and proud that he would ask such a question, angry that my kids were feeling hurt and attacked, heartbroken that such was their reality, even coming from some who dared call themselves Christ-followers. In response to his question, we talked about being steadfast in their walk with God, being bold in their faith, asking Christ to help them love those who hate them, loving as Christ loves. I have thought about that moment several times since then. I have seen that sentiment play out over and over with our immigrant and ethnic brothers and sisters. Rather than being helped and loved, they are often blamed and shunned. I cry and ask why. Here is what we all need to remember: in the Gospel of John, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34, ESV). Galatians 5:22-23 says that the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” 1 Corinthians 13 says “the greatest of these is love.” Do a fruit check: is your life filled with the Fruit and love of the Spirit? We must love all, not just those like us, but EVERYONE, in ALL circumstances. For a Christian, the statement should read, “The bad times bring out Jesus in you.” ~ Lisa Walker
Connect NOW is a temporary project of the Connection Magazine staff. We will be writing and soliciting weekly articles for at least May and June, to encourage, inform, and inspire people as we walk through this unique time together. The Evangelical Methodist Church is a global family of Christ followers committed to sharing the good news of God’s love with people.
